Category: News

Where Every Voice Matters

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The following script is from the video embedded in this blog where you will hear from the moderator of the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium 2026, where every voice matters. **In early June we will announce the link and sign up for the online option of attending the Symposium. Dr. Chrysopoulo here from PRMA plastic surgery in San Antonio, Texas. Most medical meetings share information. The best ones change how care though, is actually delivered. The DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium is one of those rare meetings where patients, surgeons, and advocates are all in the same room. For patients, this means direct access; not filtered and not second-hand. Real conversations with experts and with others who’ve actually been through it before, leading to a clearer understanding and more confident decisions for you. For Physicians and care teams it creates real time feedback; a feedback loop, in essence, not just clinical outcomes but patient Continue Reading →

Why Evidence Matters: Understanding the Subtle Ways Misinformation Takes Hold

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Misinformation in cancer care rarely arrives as an obvious falsehood. It often slips in quietly. This can happen through emotional posts in support groups, sensational headlines, or well‑meaning advice that isn’t grounded in science. In a community already navigating fear, uncertainty, and life‑altering decisions, these subtle distortions can shape beliefs, influence choices, and erode trust in evidence‑based care. This is why evidence matters and why I am sharing my observations on understanding the subtle ways misinformation takes hold. How Misinformation Takes Hold Understanding how misinformation takes hold is essential not only for patients, but for caregivers, clinicians, and advocates who want to protect the integrity of cancer care and ensure that decisions are made with clarity rather than confusion. In the breast cancer community, misinformation often thrives in moments of vulnerability. A newly diagnosed patient searching for hope may encounter “miracle cures” or alternative treatments that promise results without evidence. Continue Reading →

Microsurgical Conferences: Why and How

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I still remember attending my first medical conference after launching DiepCFoundation in the summer of 2016. Since then, I’ve participated in more meetings than I can count, each one reinforcing how essential thoughtful preparation is for meaningful patient advocacy, whether the focus is breast cancer or breast reconstruction. My first event of 2026 will be the annual meeting of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), a gathering that always inspires reflection on why microsurgical conferences matter and how to make the most of them. In this blog, I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me prepare, stay grounded, and find success in these dynamic environments. Strategies Preparing for Microsurgical Conferences Registration for ASRM begins months before the actual conference. There is an early registration price and once that passes the cost increases. As a nonprofit, I remain mindful of our budget since I have to justify expenditure to my Continue Reading →

Kindness, Gratitude, Courage: My Compass for 2026

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As I step into 2026, I find myself returning again and again to three simple words. Those words are kindness, gratitude, and courage. They aren’t new concepts. They aren’t complicated. But they have become the compass points guiding how I want to show up in the world, how I want to lead, and how I want to serve the breast cancer community that has shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined. These three words have carried me through seasons of uncertainty, moments of profound connection, and the quiet, steady work of advocacy. They have grounded me when the world felt heavy and lifted me when I needed reminding that hope is not naïve. Hope is necessary. And as I look toward the year ahead, they feel more necessary than ever. Kindness: The Quiet Energy that is Transformative and Contagious Kindness is often underestimated because it’s gentle. It Continue Reading →

BioCircuit Nerve Tape®: Bridging Curiosity and Clinical Insight

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I was wandering around the exhibit hall floor at Plastic Surgery the Meeting 2025 (PSTM25) and was curious about a particular exhibit. The company representatives were demonstrating the use of Nerve Tape®, a suture free solution for nerve repair. The claim was “connecting nerves faster and more accurately than conventional  methods. I was invited to sit at the demonstration table and try it. As a layperson, I was skeptical about the “faster and more accurately” claim and determined to give them honest feedback. Here’s what happened next. Clinical Insight into BioCircuit Nerve Tape® Speaking to Michelle Jarrad, CEO of BioCircuit Technologies led to a collaboration to educate patients about the product. When the Foundation forges these partnerships, it is patient education focused to align with our mission to support those affected by breast cancer with education to empower and inform. If there are gaps in patient education regarding innovations in Continue Reading →

Empowering Voices: My Experience as a Patient Advocate at the Binaytara Northwest Women’s Cancer Conference

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On September 27, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Binaytara Northwest Women’s Cancer Conference in Portland as a patient advocate, accompanied by my dear friend and fellow advocate, Nikki McCoy. This experience was not just an opportunity to connect with medical professionals; it was a chance to amplify the lived experiences of patients navigating the complexities of cancer diagnoses, treatment, and survivorship. As I reflect on our day at the conference, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose in my advocacy journey. The Power of Presence: Representing Patients Walking into the conference venue that morning, I was acutely aware of the significance of my role. Patient advocates hold a unique position: we are the bridge between patients and providers, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. Nikki and I were determined to represent not just ourselves, but the countless people and families affected by Continue Reading →

Insights from the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium: Facing the Dragon

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A young man took the podium at the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. He shared a slide entitled, “Facing the Dragon.” His presentation was on the role of the caregiver for loved ones who have breast cancer and DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The young man was our oldest son, Richard Coutee. He is also a brother, husband, and dad. It is an honor to present insights from his talk. Facing the Dragon “This threat is something we will be facing as a family.” Rich Coutee Richard is a follower of the stoic philosophers. He presented a slide showing Marcus Aurelius. The metaphor of facing the dragon was to show the threat we faced as a family when we heard that I had breast cancer the first time. Rich was a first-year college student at the time of my first diagnosis. He could have made the choice not to come home. However, he Continue Reading →

Reflections from the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium: Building Community and Trust

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I missed blogging this summer. A full week has passed since the event as I sit at my computer. It is with a full heart that I share with readers my reflections from the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium: building community and trust. Nine Months of Planning for the Symposium Have you ever planned an event, for instance, a wedding, graduation, or family reunion that took nine months? I began planning this in late November of 2024. If you are going to do have an event of this scale, you need that time. While I was at the podium the day of the symposium, I recall looking at our oldest son, Richard, one of the keynote speakers and saying, “Geez son, I carried you for nine months and that’s how long it took to put this event together.” Terri Coutee to Richard Coutee It hit me at that moment and why I Continue Reading →

An Invitation to the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium

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This is your invitation to the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium, a valuable gathering for medical professionals, patients, and advocates aiming to advance knowledge and discussions surrounding breast surgery, breast cancer research, breast reconstruction, and patient care. Whether you’re exploring your options or supporting someone on this path, this event is designed to provide clarity, support, and empowerment to make the decision that’s right for you. Details To Prepare for the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium Seating is limited!! Be sure to register to attend on site by clicking on our Eventbrite page. Can’t Join in Person at the Symposium? Join Us Online by Signing up for the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium here. Before you sign up: we invite you to make a heartfelt donation to help us continue hosting these meaningful events. Simply click the donation image to support our mission-every gift makes a difference. Online Registration Link and QR Code: Webinar Link to Register See you Continue Reading →

Why This Symposium Matters: The DiepCFoundation’s Mission in Action

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July 19, 2025, I am hosting the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. Throughout my own personal journey through breast cancer and breast reconstruction, I learned mine is one of many unique stories of survivors and why this DiepCFoundation Symposium matters. That is why this symposium matters to me. This is DiepCFoundation’s mission in action, providing an immersive experience where survivors, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates come together to redefine the narrative around decision-making in breast surgery. The DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium reminds us of the power of education and resources  and that every choice made for people affected by breast cancer deserves to be an informed choice having the power to transform lives. Planning Begins with a Call to Action A strong nonprofit foundation reflects the volunteer commitment from the board of directors. I have been attending national and international conferences since we opened our doors in the summer of 2016. It was Continue Reading →