The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance was formed in 1999 by a group of Twin Cities women battling the disease. The nonprofit awards grants to Minnesota-based ovarian cancer researchers. It also provides support to women and families fighting the disease and educates health-care providers and the public about its symptoms. There's no routine screening test to detect ovarian cancer, and the four primary symptoms — bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly and urinary symptoms — mimic other health conditions.

To learn more about the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, the HOM Silent No More Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer on Saturday and the Tie it Teal shoelace campaign, go to www.mnovarian.org.