• Like all South Dakota moms, I have loved watching my children grow and cannot wait to see the careers they go into, the spouses they choose and the children they will have. I want to be around for all of life's little milestones, and breast cancer awareness is a big part of that. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women, and research shows that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.
• The good news is there have been advances in research, technology and early detection over the years that have helped decrease the number of breast cancer related deaths. But there is much more work to be done. October is breast cancer awareness month and it's a great opportunity to help spread the word.
• I was in Sioux Falls recently to participate in the South Dakota Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. In all, over 6,000 participants, spectators and supporters came out for the race. It's always good when funds stay close to home, and I was happy to learn that seventy-five percent of funds raised in South Dakota stay in South Dakota, while the other 25 percent go toward national research.

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