Midwest Region

About Us

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is a nationally recognized organization with a growing coast-to-coast network of regions and markets. Our efforts are fueled by volunteers, survivors, legacy families and market managers. Together, we empower our communities through educational efforts and outreach initiatives. We embrace our legacy families as the voice of the voiceless, and advocate for survivors and caregivers by providing comfort and support through our programs and services.

Illinois 
Northwest Indiana
Iowa
P.O. Box 15265
Chicago, IL 60615

Contact:
Anita Owens

(312) 226-9410

midwestregion@ovarian.org

Fundraise

NOCC has one vision – to live in a world where no one loses their life to ovarian cancer. Each gift carries a unique story, and every dollar makes a difference in the lives of families affected by this disease.

To support NOCC, put your creativity and passion to work with a DIY event. Celebrate a birthday with a Facebook Fundraiser. Host a game night with friends or invite co-workers to a cycling event. The ways to engage your community and raise critical funds and awareness are limitless! 

Events

August 2026
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Volunteer

We need your help! Whether it’s a few hours a week or more, you’ll find many ways to support our community.

The Illinois market is seeking volunteers to: 

  • Join one of our committees to spread awareness, raise funds, or support survivors and caregivers
  • Hand out literature at health fairs and medical facilities
  • Run with Team Teal and make a difference with your miles
  • Help mentor newly diagnosed survivors
  • Assist with our signature  event in September, Together in Teal 

For more information or to volunteer, contact Karen Young at kyoung@ovarian.org, illinois@ovarian.org or call us at  312-226-9410.

Outside Resources

Cancer & Careers
646-929-8032 | cancerandcareers@cew.org
Empowering and educating people with cancer to thrive at work by providing expert advice, interactive tools and events.

Triage Cancer
Chicago, IL
424.258.4628 | info@triagecancer.org
Offering events, materials and resources on practical and legal issues that may impact those cancer patients and caregivers.

Imerman Angels
866-463-7626 | info@imermanangels.org
Providing personalized connections enabling one-on-one support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.

Camp Kesem 
773-492-0508 | depaul.outreach@campkesem.org
Support for children at no cost during a parent’s cancer journey, with innovative programs and peer networks.

Rockford Survivor Group
Rockford, IL
815-218-6842 | agardentoshare@gmail.com
Meets 2nd Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Lorna Carlson. 

NW Indiana Teal Hearts Group
708-602-4351 | susiekew612@att.net
Meets 2nd Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Location varies at this time. 

Teal Time Survivor Group
Skokie, IL
lianesings@sbcglobal.net
Meets 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

Central Illinois Ovarian Cancer Support Network
Decatur, IL
217-876-2370
Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Decatur Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Center, West Entrance.

Gyne SISTERs (Gynecological Cancers Networking Group)
Aurora, IL
331-301- 5280
Meets on the second Thursday of each month 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. The group is co-facilitated by a licensed professional counselor and a registered nurse.

Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Munster, IN
219-836-3349
Meets 4th Monday of each month at 11 a.m. – noon

Names to Know

Sue Straatman

A stage 4 survivor and amazing volunteer, Sue’s committed to her Teal Hearts group in NW Indiana to spread awareness and support NOCC’s mission. An active mentor and team captain, she’s led her top performing team in raising $5K + for Together in Teal.

Megan Nakra

One of the original Team Teal captains in Chicago, Megan leads the team each year in the September Half Marathon. As a strategist, she’s expanded our reach in the community, grown our social media presence and put our best foot forward for survivors.

Mat McFadden

Mat joined our Together in Teal committee after losing his wife Leah to ovarian cancer. As a Team Cultivation committee member, he leads fundraising efforts by example, bringing in over $10K in 2019 and was just shy of that in 2020.

Melissa Durruthy

Melissa and her family became active supporters when her mom Evelyn was diagnosed stage 4 nearly a decade ago. Soon, their mom ran the 5K with them. In 2017-2019, Melissa and her husband held the first annual DIY “Teal Off to Cancer” golf outing, raising over $15,000.

Get Social

Get Involved

Group of ovarian cancer survivors celebrating at a Together in TEAL Run Walk event

Together in TEAL® Run/Walk

Join a Together in TEAL® Run/Walk and fundraise for ovarian cancer alongside survivors, caregivers, and supporters in your community. These events raise awareness and support efforts that help individuals and families affected by ovarian cancer.

Participants can walk, run, volunteer, or fundraise as individuals or teams.

Find a run/walk
Team TEAL athletes posing with banner at an endurance fundraising event

Team TEAL Endurance Team

Team TEAL allows fitness enthusiasts to fundraise for ovarian cancer while participating in endurance events such as marathons, cycling races, and other athletic challenges.

Team members dedicate their miles to raising awareness and supporting people affected by ovarian cancer.

Join Team TEAL
Group of supporters wearing teal celebrating during a community fundraiser

Start a DIY fundraiser

Create your own fundraiser and raise money for ovarian cancer in a way that is meaningful to you. Host an event, organize a challenge, celebrate a milestone, or bring your community together to support NOCC’s mission.

Start a fundraiser