PARMA, Ohio — For the fifth time, Heather Karr is facing an all-too-common foe: Ovarian cancer. This time around, she said it is stage four.
"I've been battling cancer, ovarian cancer, for 15 years now," said Karr. "I'm dying from this. There needs to be more done to stop people from getting to stage 3...stage 4."
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 12,000 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. More than 19,000 will receive a new ovarian cancer diagnosis.
As a way of spreading awareness, Karr has combined teal -- which symbolizes ovarian cancer awareness -- with her city's unofficial mascot: Flamingos. They are now scattered across her front yard.
"I've been doing this for years now. I add more and more to my collection," remarked Karr. "The city of Parma is about flamingos, so why not put ovarian cancer and flamingos together?"
These simple plastic flamingos have sparked conversations about ovarian cancer and the need for regular exams when people passing by ask Karr about them.
"I have a conversation with them. 'Make sure you know your body. Get yourself checked," said Karr. "A lot of people just don't know about it."
In order to maximize the chance of early detection, the American Cancer Society suggested women get regular health exams and see a doctor if you have symptoms. Signs and symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly and urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency.
Her flamboyance of flamingos has grown so spectacular, it recently caught the attention of Parma city officials. With Karr in attendance, they recently signed a resolution supporting World Ovarian Cancer Day in Parma.
"I was just crying and so full of emotion like 'somebody is recognizing this' and I'm getting the word out with their help," said Karr. "It's what I've been trying to do for years."
It's all in an effort to get the word out about a message Karr said she believes she was meant to spread.
"I've always wondered why I was chosen to be sick for so long," said Karr. "I do think it is my goal to help educate and help other women like myself."