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Linda Baka knows first-hand why early health screenings are important. 

About 20 years ago, Linda went in for a routine mammogram – and found out she had breast cancer. 

“I believe that early detection saved my life,” said Linda. 

That belief inspired her and her husband, Jeff, to support All Women Count, a program that provides free screenings to underserved women across South Dakota. 

“We just feel that this program gives all women the opportunity for early detection, and we continue to be supportive of that,” Linda said.
Jeff, a retired radiologist, agrees.

“Early detection saves lives,” Jeff said. “There are different tests for different types of cancer, but mammography is one of the oldest for imaging, and it’s widely available.”

The All Women Count program provides eligible women ages 30 to 64 with free breast and cervical cancer screenings, including mammograms, Pap smears and related exams. The statewide program is part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and is administered by local health care systems, like Avera.

“We consider All Women Count a great partnership,” said Dr. Mara Hermiston, Chief Medical Officer for Avera Medical Group. “Just like the program name says, every woman counts, and indeed every person of any age counts. Everyone deserves quality health care that leads to better health and quality of life.”

Hermiston echoes Jeff when she talks about the importance of early screening.

“Breast cancer and cervical cancer are more treatable when caught early, improving outcomes for women,” Hermiston said. 

The program is open to South Dakota women who fall within the income and age guidelines. But Hermiston said women shouldn’t avoid screenings and checkups because they’re worried about paying for it. This program and others can help cover costs. Financial counselors at health systems also work with patients when cost is a concern.

Modeling generosity

Jeff, who is from Ohio, and Linda, who is from Pennsylvania and is a retired dentist, moved to South Dakota in 1993 for their careers. 

“We said if one of us wasn’t crazy about it after a year, we would reconsider, but we’ve never even had that discussion and never looked back,” Linda said. 

Instead, they built their careers here and raised three children.

“We love living here and raising our family here,” Linda said. 

Jeff and Linda both say their parents modeled generosity. 

“My dad was an immigrant, and my mom was first-generation, and I watched them help a lot of people in the community who immigrated, helping them get settled,” Linda said. “That’s how I watched my parents being generous. And then it just came naturally to Jeff and me in our life.”

They both say just being a part of the community has most inspired their giving.

“What mostly influenced our giving is living and raising children here and seeing where the need was and being inspired by the work organizations were doing,” Linda said. “Being involved in capital campaigns also opened our eyes.”

Local giving

For the Bakas, working with the Community Foundation has made their philanthropy easy to manage and gives them peace of mind. “You can trust what’s being done with what you’re giving,” Linda said. “We never worry about any of the grant requests we make through our fund at the Foundation.”

They also like to support local organizations, which is another reason All Women Count is important to them. 

“I love that All Women Count dollars stay in South Dakota, and it’s all of South Dakota, not just Sioux Falls,” Linda said. “We know it’s important because we lived it. I could afford a screening mammogram and care, but there are so many people who can’t.”

Mary Kolsrud, chief philanthropy officer for the Community Foundation, said many donors are inspired to give because of something they experienced, such as Linda’s breast cancer diagnosis.

“Giving to a cause that you have personally experienced can be so meaningful,” Kolsrud said. “We are grateful to Jeff and Linda for continuing to support local programs that help local people. This example of generosity and taking care of one another is inspiring.”

Hermiston is grateful to donors like the Bakas for supporting programs that ensure timely care for patients. 

“Avera believes deeply in collaboration,” Hermiston said. 

Quick Facts

• Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among South Dakota women.
• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Cervical cancer is the 11th leading cause of cancer deaths among South Dakota women.

Source: S.D. Cancer Registry, American Cancer Society