ST. CHARLES – Although people visit Gateway Veterinary Clinic seeking care for their pets, veterinarian Kurt Klepitsch said it’s not unusual for clients to ask him and his staff about their own health.

It’s in this environment that Klepitsch hopes to raise awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, a disease his 19-year-old niece was diagnosed with last year. He said he knows he won’t cure the disease, but he might help a woman learn of an early diagnosis.

The St. Charles clinic is raising awareness through brochures, teal lapel pins, posters and discussions as part of the Veterinary Outreach Program launched by the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness organization.