Janet Liggett joined her neighbors from the Marsh Island community to hang teal ribbons on West Third Street in Lewes.

They were volunteers for the 12th annual Turn the Town Teal event for ovarian cancer awareness Aug. 26. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The disease affects millions of women every year. The symptoms often go undetected.

Liggett said she was there to support Donna Verner and Jan Gilmore, her neighbors who survived ovarian cancer.

She said her life has been touched by different forms of the disease.

"My sister had endometrial cancer, my husband passed from esophageal cancer, so it's blanket thing for me," Liggett said. "If they had events for both of those, I would be there too."

Sally Oberle, Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation vice president of special projects, said it is important for women to act if they are not feeling well.

"The symptoms are vague – bloating, upset stomach. Don't blow them off, don't ignore them. It could be anything, but get checked out," Oberle said.

Oberle has been part of the organization since her sister died from ovarian cancer in 2007.

The foundation will hold its annual 5K run-walk fundraiser in Wilmington's Rockford Park Saturday, Sept. 19.

It gives $50,000 each year to the Helen Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute at Christiana Hospital.

The bows that were hung around downtown Lewes were made by volunteers at the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the Girl Scouts and various library organizations.