Susan’s Story

Susan Schrader is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and grew up in Wanblee, South Dakota. Susan is the eldest child of Delores Winters-Schrader and Doug Schrader and is the mother of 5 children as well as a grandmother of 13 grandchildren. Not only does Susan love spending time with her children and grandchildren, but also being a Tribal Advocate in various capacities.

Eighteen years ago, Susan was concerned when her doctor in Pine Ridge said she had a positive test from her Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). Susan said, “The doctors said there was blood in my stool and I should get a colonoscopy.” Because of the difficulties with scheduling appointments through IHS, Susan put it off till recently when her daughter expressed concern about her need for preventive cancer screening.

Susan was prompted to take the test from the free screening and discovered polyps. She followed-up with a colonoscopy at Rapid City’s Medical Center. Susan said, “They just removed some polyps and said that there were some polyp’s way back there and that I should get another test in 5 years.” It was a quick procedure.

Today, Susan takes preventative measures by making healthy choices in her diet and in her everyday living. Susan said, “Whenever you turn middle age your time is limited and family is important, so it’s important to take care of your health and do whatever you have to do to be here as long as you can with your children and grandchildren”.