The VOP offers a first-ever collaboration that is designed to open new channels of communication and raise awareness about the silent and often-ignored symptoms of ovarian cancer. With strong engagement and support from the Illinois Department of Public Health, leaders in the community and veterinary industry, will gather to recognize the Gateway Veterinary Clinic and clinic owner, Dr. Kurt Klepitsch, DVM, as the first official VOP partner at a private one-hour reception on Friday morning, January 25, 2012. According to Peter Weber, executive director of the ISVMA, association members report that pet owners talking about their pet’s health often feel comfortable talking about their own health concerns. Supplied with knowledge surrounding the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer, VOP members can exponentially increase the number of individuals receiving the message, and help to save lives. The VOP will inform urban and rural veterinarians, veterinary clinicians, and veterinary discipline students about ovarian cancer and its silent symptoms including bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating and frequent or urgent urination. Veterinarians and clinics can join the program for a nominal fee which covers costs for a start-up kit including educational displays and brochures regarding the silent symptoms.