Breast Cancer Education and Support: Terri Coutee's Mission

Written By Michelle Mongogna

In this conversation, Terri Coutee shares her personal journey through breast cancer, including her diagnosis, treatment, and the decision to undergo the diep flap reconstruction procedure. She discusses the importance of education and support for women facing similar challenges and highlights her work in establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping others navigate their breast cancer journeys. The conversation also touches on the significance of community, genetic testing, and the resources available for survivors.

Terri Coutee, is a patient advocate with eight years of nonprofit management experience. She is the Founder of DiepCFoundation nonprofit organization she opened in 2016 two years after her own successful breast reconstruction, to provide support, education, and resources for those affected by breast cancer facing mastectomy. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor who has had breast surgery and treatment that includes lumpectomies, chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy, and DIEP flap reconstruction.

Terri is a Project LEAD graduate, a premier science training for advocates in breast cancer research and public policy from the National Breast Cancer Coalition. She is co-lead on the World Health Innovation Summit shared decision-making expert group. Terri is a consumer patient advocate serving on the DoD-CDMRP for the breast cancer vaccine under the leadership of the team at the Cleveland Clinic. She takes part as a patient advocate on the PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) Engage for Equity PLUS project partnering with eight leading academic institutions to transform how research is conducted with the goal of strengthening patient and community leadership in research.

She has been an invited guest faculty speaker at the London Breast Meeting, BC3 Breast Cancer Coordinated Care Conference, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons Conference, the iBreast Book online seminar series, and local breast cancer support groups about the importance of shared decision making and empowering patients to be their own best advocates.

Terri was awarded the Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity Award at the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in Chicago in 2018.

Her focus is fostering patient engagement in breast cancer treatment, surgery, and care. As a life-long educator, she believes education is the key component for patients being able to have a shared decision-making conversation with their health care team.

Terri hosts the DiepCJourney podcast interviewing patient advocates, healthcare professionals, and individuals interested in the survivorship journey to provide resources and lived stories to listeners. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and gardening. She is an avid weightlifter as a prescription for bone health after being on Anastrozole for her breast cancer.

TAKEAWAYS

Michelle Mongogna
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