We are proud to announce former PRMA patient—Terri Coutee of DIEP C Foundation—has been awarded the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s Patient of Courage Award for 2018!
The Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity program honors reconstructive plastic surgery patients whose lives were restored through reconstructive plastic surgery and whose charitable actions influence the lives around them.
Terri was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. She underwent two lumpectomy procedures on the left breast followed by six weeks of daily radiation treatments. Over ten years later in 2014, Terri found herself reliving her worst nightmare with a second diagnosis—this time the cancer was in both breasts. She opted for a bilateral mastectomy in May of 2014.
Unsatisfied with wearing breast prosthesis, Terri began researching her breast reconstruction options. After careful consideration, Terri traveled from Arizona to Texas to undergo bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction in December of 2014.
Her life changing experience with breast reconstruction helped guide Terri to discover her new passion—educating others on their options for reconstruction.
Through her dedicated outreach, she has touched the lives of countless women and men from all over the world! Starting with a small Facebook support group, Terri’s breast reconstruction advocacy and outreach has grown exponentially! In fact, she is now the proud founder of her non-profit organization DIEP C Foundation, whose mission is to provide education and resources to empower women and men with information to make an informed decision about breast reconstruction options after a mastectomy.
Her newly founded non-profit is truly an invaluable resource for patients seeking unbiased, evidenced-based breast reconstruction information. She has been able to provide free flights for patients traveling for breast reconstruction and post-mastectomy tattoos for breast cancer patients.
She has set up a dedicated YouTube channel to help educate women on their breast reconstruction options too. She has countless interviews with ASPS plastic surgeons and breast cancer survivors. It’s an amazing resource for patients looking for information.
Breast cancer changed Terri’s life, but plastic surgery helped guide her to start what has become a lifeline of support and wealth of knowledge to those seeking information on breast reconstruction.
Congratulations Terri on this greatly deserved recognition!
Author: Courtney Floyd
We are proud to announce former PRMA patient—Terri Coutee of DIEP C Foundation—has been awarded the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s Patient of Courage Award for 2018!
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Barbra Tugman
Huge Congratulations Terri! So happy for you. So well deserved! Thank you for ALL that you do for us all! Have a fabulous time!!????????????????????????????????
Terri Coutee
Thanks so much Barbra. It was an evening that truly made me think of all the women and men needing resources and education and the work to be continued. Your support and kind words are so appreciated.
Terri Coutee
What a beautiful blog! Thank you so much for your nomination Dr. Chrysopoulo. My reconstruction was truly life changing and I am so honored to serve this community now. Having Dr. C there the evening of the presentation is a fond moment etched in my mind forever. ???????? PRMA is an amazing group of people!!!