It is known as the "Silent Killer of Cancers."
Every seven minutes, a woman in America is diagnosed with a Gynecologic Cancer, totaling almost 95,000 new cases every year. Approximately 28,500 women will die from these diseases and Ovarian Cancer accounts more than half of those deaths.
"Ovarian Cancer is a very sneaky disease," explained Jodie Kavensky, Founder of the NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Foundation. "If you don't know the symptoms and you don't advocate for your health, a lot of times it doesn't get detected until it's in later stages of the disease so we have about 70% mortality rate of women who are diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer."
It's one reason why Kavensky organized girlpARTs Fest on Saturday, July 11th, 2015.
The event, which took place at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island, included live music from three bands as well as cameos from local performers.
It also featured the Dirty Dozen Invitational, which comprised of 13 female artists who featured their work - from ceramics and jewelry to fused glass and photography.
There was a silent auction and raffle at the event as well. Proceeds from those activities will fund a medical education program, called "RULE OUT! Ovarian Cancer," which is being introduced in the Quad Cities in September 2015.