CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The RJ Corman Bridge spanning the Cumberland River at Riverside Dr. will be lit up in a teal color through September 11 in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Clarksville resident Kelli Faerber, who lost her grandmother to ovarian cancer in 2013, spoke at the County Commission meeting Tuesday on the eve of her grandmother’s 76th birthday.

Kelli Faerber (left) is introduced by County Mayor Jim Durrett during Tuesday night's Commission meeting.
Kelli Faerber (left) is introduced by County Mayor Jim Durrett during Tuesday night’s Commission meeting.

“Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer of women because its symptoms, when exhibited, are sometimes so subtle that most women don’t know to talk to their doctor about them. Worse yet is that most often women are not educated about those signs and symptoms,” Faerber said.

She explained how reliable testing is still not available for the disease, which affects one in 72 women.

“We need to bridge the gap,” she said. “You and I together as a community can be advocates for awareness of ovarian cancer. You can tell the women in your life about the signs and symptoms, and if they experience them for two weeks or more, encourage them to visit their doctor.”

Faerber also met with Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan who issued a proclamation for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Visit the CDC’s website for more information about the disease including signs, symptoms, and treatment.