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ESCANABA -- Statistics show close to 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.  But early detection can increase survival, and that ultimately begins with awareness.

Well, Players de Noc and the Delta County Cancer Alliance have teamed up to do just that, both on and off the stage this weekend.

Character "Vivian Bearing" is fighting stage four ovarian cancer.  Audiences will follow her inspiring journey through the treatment, a journey that will leave quite an impact.

"When you see how she faces her illness, when you think of the number of people these days that are going through this and surviving cancer, and even if they don't, the way that they fight this issue of life and death.  It's a very, very powerful story," said actress Lynn Soderberg.

This weekend, Players de Noc is performing the Pulitzer Prize winning drama, "Wit," but the audience will get more than just a powerful story from the actors.

Players has teamed up with the Delta County Cancer Alliance which will have information available on ovarian cancer at each performance.  They hope to spread awareness of this deadly illness.

"That's probably the most important part, getting the awareness out there, because a lot of people don't think about their bodies," said Alliance President, Cheri Severinsen.  "No one wants to hear the word cancer, but if you find it early enough and take care of it, you get a lot more out of your life if it's caught early."

If you'd like to catch a performance of "Wit," shows will be Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.  They'll also have a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

Shows will also run next weekend--Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, all at 8 p.m.