October Reflections: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every fall, when the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, I find myself thinking of my mom. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time that carries deep meaning for me, and a time when I pause to honor her strength, as well as the courage of so many others who have faced this disease.

As we reach the end of this month, my thoughts are with all of you who are walking this journey right now, whether it’s your own diagnosis or that of someone you love. And for those who have been fortunate not to experience breast cancer up close, I hope this serves as a gentle reminder: schedule your screening, or encourage someone you care about to do the same.

Taking action looks different for everyone, but here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• Talk about it. Breast cancer can be scary to face or even to think about. But sharing your fears and questions with friends, family, or your healthcare provider can make a huge difference.

• Bring a buddy. If you’re nervous about getting screened, ask someone to go with you. Having company during that first appointment can help ease anxiety.

• Make it part of your routine. Add a recurring reminder to your calendar so it becomes just another important part of caring for yourself, like a dental checkup or a physical.

For me, taking action has also meant advocating for change. I’ve worked to raise awareness and push for better access to screening and care for breast cancer survivors and previvors, people like me who take preventive steps because of a high risk or family history. A few years ago, I shared my story during the South Dakota legislative session in support of a bill that would have improved screening coverage. The bill didn’t pass, but that didn’t mean the work was over. Advocacy doesn’t end when a vote fails; it continues in conversations, in the community, and in every person inspired to take that next step for their health.

As October comes to a close, I encourage you to take your own next step, whatever that looks like. Make your appointment. Remind your sister or your best friend to make hers. Talk about it. Support one another.

Because awareness is essential, but action is what changes lives.

Testimony presented during the 99th South Dakota Legislative Session

Chair and Members of the House Commerce and Banking Committee

 Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

My name is Jennifer Folliard, and I live in Sioux Falls.I am here to share my story and speak in support of HB1122.

At the young age of 17, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and by the time I was 19, her battle with that disease ended. She died at 49. Since then, my maternal aunt also died of breast cancer. Seeing the strongest women in my life suffer and perish from this aggressive disease made me diligent with my own care.

From the time I was 21, I have been receiving mammograms every six months, and at every mammogram, because of my high risk, I would end up having to get further diagnostic tests. Each of these diagnostics tests was critical to knowing whether I would be able to rest easy for another six months or I would have to undergo a biopsy and even further testing and possible treatment.

At every mammogram, I remember the crushing anxiety I felt, and every time the doctors said I had to get further diagnostic tests, I knew the anxiety would continue until that test and the results were complete. The stamina it took to face that anxiety is an example of one barrier that high-risk women face, but there are many. Balancing financial, family, and work constraints makes it easy to delay even that first mammogram, let alone a second diagnostic test that may end up being very costly.

I speak today as a woman with deep experience with this screening and diagnostic testing process. Those of us who have had mothers, aunts, and grandmas die of this disease know we are high risk, and we know that we will have to press on with years and decades of these tests. HB 1122 will support my high-risk sisters in getting timely and life-saving care by decreasing some of the financial costs. Please support the passage of HB 1122.

This post was edited with support from ChatGPT (GPT-5, OpenAI, 2025) to refine clarity, tone, and flow.