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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 57144
Des Moines, IA 50317

Contact:
Shonna Swartz

515-289-0871

sswartz@ovarian.org

Fundraise

NOCC has one vision – to live in a world where no woman loses her 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

December 2024
January 2025
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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 Iowa 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
  • Be our social media ambassador, managing accounts and promoting regional and national events
  • Procure monetary sponsorship for regional and national events, and in-kind donations
  • Offer administrative support for our signature even, Together in Teal 5k Walk

For more information or to volunteer, contact Shonna Swartz at sswartz@ovarian.org iowa@ovarian.org or call us at  515-289-0871.

Outside Resources

John Stoddard Cancer Center
515-241-4141
Treatment Center with gynecologic oncologist

MercyOne Cancer Center
515-643-8206
Treatment Center

William Bliss Cancer Center
515-239-4401
Treatment Center

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Iowa
319-356-4200
Treatment Center with Gynecologic Oncologist

CancerCare – Ovarian Cancer Patient Online Support Group

CancerCare – Gynecological Cancer Patient Online Support Group

CancerCare – Gynecologic Cancers Patient Telephone Support Group

Cleaning for a Reason
info@cleaningforareason.org
Free home cleaning for cancer patients by trusted residential cleaners, cleaning industry volunteers, and community volunteers.

Names to Know

Kim Trautman and Kelsey Watts

owa's Dynamic Duo! When Kelsey Watts was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her mother, Kim Trautman, jumped head first into the NOCC Iowa Chapter to learn, help and love as much as possible.

Kim and Kelsey continue to volunteer whenever and wherever needed in support of our mission.

Mary Lease Griffin

Celebrating 5 years NED, Mary is the definition of a TEAL Warrior! Even while dealing with an ovarian cancer diagnosis, Mary continued to push forward and focus on becoming the best version of herself!
Mary continues to share her story with other survivors offering support, encouragement and inspiration!

Mary Lewis, Tracy Lewis and Brooke Speicher

Three generations of volunteering! Mary, Tracy and Brooke have spent hours volunteering with the Iowa Chapter. With both Tracy and Brooke having professional medical backgrounds and a family/friend with an ovarian cancer diagnosis, the decision to become involved was made without hesitation.

Connie Welcher

Even while managing her cancer journey, Connie remains ROCKSTAR! She maintains a can-do attitude and continues to be a voice for awareness and quality of life for survivors.

Get Social

Get Involved

Fundraise your way

Put your passion, ideas and creativity to work and ROCK the Day – our signature DIY fundraising program. We’ll give you the tools you need to get your event rockin’ and rollin’.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Together in Teal Everywhere as One

Run/walk events

Join our day of pure TEAL! NOCC’s coast-to-coast event puts activism into action. Run, walk, ride, skip, jump — whatever gets you moving safely. Register to celebrate the strides we’ve made.

Endurance events

Your miles matter! Endurance athletes can join our team to make great strides in the fight against ovarian cancer as you create national awareness and fund programs for survivors and caregivers.

Make a donation

Contact us

Find a support group

Keep up with NOCC news and events