Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in women; however, it’s only the eleventh most common cancer in women, according to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. This May, the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance will be hosting a Mother’s Day Time to Teal Run/Walk to raise money for ovarian cancer research.
Meredith Arant, the communication and engagement coordinator for MIOCA, said the funds from the event go into the Geri Fournier Ovarian Cancer Research grant. Geri Fournier co-founded MIOCA along with her daughter Pam Dahlmann. Since Fournier died from ovarian cancer, MIOCA has been hosting the run and giving out the grant in her honor, Arant said. The grant is $50,000 and is given to a researcher in Michigan. The winner of the 2025 grant was recently awarded to Dr. Abdulsalam Soofi at the University of Michigan. The applications for 2026 will open later this year.
“We've seen improvements in treatment. But there's still a lot of progress that needs to be done with ovarian cancer," Arant said. "It's something where there's not very many treatment options."
The funds also go towards support programs for women with ovarian cancer. There are financial assistance programs to help cover medical bills, care packages and awareness campaigns, Arant said.
This year, the run is going to be about raising awareness while also celebrating Mother’s Day and having fun, Arant said. Since the run starts in the morning, there will be donuts and coffee. There will be a photo booth and swag bags.
“This year is going to be a lot of fun because we have a few characters — plus, we have a coffee truck,” Arant said.
Before the run begins, there will be speeches. One is from a gynecologist or a researcher — someone who is qualified to talk about the signs of ovarian cancer and what to look out for. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell has spoken at the event before.
The event is broken down into two runs. The first is a timed 5K for all ages or abilities; attendees are welcome to run or walk, Arant said. There are prizes for top finishers. At the same time, there will also be an untimed fun run that is just one mile for people to run or walk. After the runs are over, the guests are welcome to mingle.
“The community kind of gathers, people get their medals, they get snacks and water, kind of connect with each other, use the photo booth,” Arant said.
Tickets are now available to purchase on MIOCA's website. For the 5K, the cost is $43. For the one-mile run, the cost is $21. There is also an option to stay home for a cure. Those who can’t make it to the event itself can buy a $26 ticket, and MIOCA will send a packet with a finisher's medal. Registration is free for ovarian cancer survivors.
MIOCA has other events throughout the year. The organization partners with the Detroit Marathon and is featured as a charity of the day for a Detroit Tigers baseball game. In the fall, events include a masquerade ball, a community picnic and a bingo event. More information on all of these events can be found on the MIOCA website.
The run is May 10, 2026, at Rolling Hills County Park at 7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti. The event is open to the public, and anyone can purchase a ticket.
“Not only do we recognize those who have been diagnosed or impacted by ovarian cancer, but it's a day where we can celebrate the amazing women in our lives for Mother's Day," Arant said.
