A Michigan nonprofit organization is heading to Benton Harbor with the goal of saving local lives.
The Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance nonprofit is set to host a free concert Friday night at the Jean Klock Park pavilion to promote early detection of ovarian cancer. According to event coordinator Diann Glaza-Helbling, the event will celebrate survivors, honor those who have died from the disease and feature speakers on what to symptoms to look for.
“It is the most lethal gynecological cancer,” Glaza-Helbling said. “Every 23 minutes, a person is diagnosed in the United States with it.”
MIOCA Executive Director and longtime resident of Benton Harbor Dionne Bowens wants to ensure that ovarian cancer awareness is known in the community she lives in, according to a press release from the organization. A 28 year survivor of the disease, Bowens knows the importance of sharing the signs and symptoms so early diagnosis is achieved since no early detection test for this cancer exists.
Helbling said since ovarian cancer currently has no early detection test, awareness is the best tool to save lives.
The event, called “Teal 10,” will begin at 7 p.m. and run “un-teal” 10 p.m. and will feature live music from local saxophonist Erick Oneal Fisher, a dance performance from DaOnez, a raffle and other free prizes.
“It’s going to be a really wonderful night,” Glaza-Helbling said. “Everyone at the beach on a summer evening listening to music and hopefully helping to save some lives.”
