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 said it aloud to attendees. I hadn’t really thought about it in those terms. We all shared a few chuckles after randomly sharing these thoughts out loud. It was nine months of learning, agonizing, meeting some amazing people, and the best part, seeing the folks who believe in the mission of DiepCFoundation who rolled up their sleeves to participate in the symposium.
Some special Moments I Remember from the Symposium
Where do I even begin? There are so many special moments that flood my memories, each one special in their own way. But some touched me so profoundly they left me breathless. Walking into the lobby of the PAACAR Auditorium at Overlake that morning and seeing everything set up, my board members already working so hard, walking into the auditorium seeing Thomas Fennel work his magic running all the technical issues for the day, are my first memories. Things were running with precision like a well-oiled machine!
Then there was the moment I turned around and saw Dr. Chrysopoulo already engaged in conversation with attendees. Standing beside him, Dr. Anton Fries. There they were the Texas delegation who flew in for the event. I had a moment of who do I hug first? But how could I not hug Dr. C first? The man who performed my DIEP flap surgery and my mentor who stands beside me to this day and has since the day he called and asked me to open a nonprofit foundation in 2016. It was a warm but strong hug full of smiles, and a rousing “You did it, T! Do you believe it?.” I leaned up to complete the Texas hugs with the tall, and I mean tall, Dr. Fries.
A Steady Hand Held Mine as an Anchor During Our Son’s Talk
A favorite introduction from the podium but one I could barely get out, was that of our oldest son, Rich. He was the last speaker of the morning before we broke for lunch. As I approached the podium my throat began to tighten as I brought up the slides of him and his brother. The slides were separate pictures of each of them standing next to me during the months of my chemotherapy treatments. I couldn’t get the words out during my introduction. My voice began to shake, and I had to stop for a moment to collect myself.
After finally making the introduction, I sat down next to Dr. C. He gently reached for my hand and held it as a quiet gesture of strength the entire time Richard was speaking. I had not heard Richard’s talk until that morning. Nor had I ever seen him speak in front of an audience before. The message he delivered was about the value of caregivers for those going through breast cancer treatment and surgery. I am so proud of both of our boys but at that moment, the emotions that poured out of me needed the simple and elegant support Dr. C knew I needed. Thank you Kind Sir!
Engaging With the Community of Survivors and Attendees
During the breaks I worked furiously to make my way around the lobby to meet new faces. Some attendees were still in treatment. Others asked if it was too late for them to consider reconstruction. They visited the vendors, picked up resources, and enjoyed delicious food provided by Bellden Café. I watched as the medical speakers talked to attendees answering their questions. My board was at the DiepCFoundation table either answering questions or conducting interviews. I have so much content to share from that day.
We had community join us from around the world via the online ZOOM webinar. Thomas, you’re going to get more kudos. I still can’t believe the talent, skill, and magic you worked that day. Had it not been for you, the webinar simply would not have happened. Yes, it was Dr. C’s idea to set up a virtual webinar but YOU, my friend, the Microsoft Change Agent for DiepCFoundation, made it happen. Man! Did you live up to that title! Now I have over five hours of recorded content to break apart and use over the coming weeks and months. Yea, I’ll get to it and learn how to best present it but if you’re reading this, give this gal some time. I want to make it worth watching!!
Sponsors Worth a Shout out Supporting the DiepCFoundation Symposium
There are meaningful relationships to build when running a nonprofit organization. Nonprofits are businesses that cannot operate without funds. Choose wisely and choose those industry leaders who believe in your mission. At DiepCFoundation our focus is always patient education first. Build relationships of trust with your sponsors.
To our two premier sponsors for the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium you deserve to be recognized for your generosity and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their options for breast cancer care and surgery. T-Stat Free Flap Monitoring and Diagnostic Green exemplify the folks I trust for our community at DiepCFoundation. You not only supported the symposium you showed up physically answering questions, presenting information, and opening your hearts to the community. I am deeply grateful to you and appreciate the trust I have with you.
Reflections from the DiepCFoundation Symposium Will Grow in Quiet Moments Over Time
It feels like I could write a book about July 19, 2025, and the day of the inaugural DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. To all of the speakers, attendees, the survivor photographer, and the multitude of people not mentioned in this blog, those behind the scenes as part of the engine that made this work, this symposium is in the books but it is not in the past. We are already talking about the next one.
Where it will be, who will be involved in it, what our topics will be will unfold as I have debriefing meetings with my team and trusted colleagues? One last memory…
At the close of the day and as I signed off of the webinar, my last statement was, “Thank you for joining the inaugural DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium.” I was at the podium and facing the entire audience. The first person to stand up and begin to applaud…
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo! I don’t think I can say it enough. Thank you Kind Sir! It is a moment in time I will never forget. Yes, we have work to do!
I really enjoyed the breast symposium. There was something there for everyone and it was so well organized! During breaks, I chatted with women who are waiting to have their DIEP flap surgeries. I also talked to Eric Eye since I want to use him for my nipple tattoo and Dr. Fries about lymphatic surgery. Thank you Terri for putting on the meaningful and informative breast symposium.
Terri, thank you for creating a space where patients and professionals could truly connect, learn, and honor one another’s experiences. The care and intention behind every moment—from the opening to your son’s powerful talk—shone through. A truly unforgettable event and a model for how shared learning should look. Bravo. ???? Marie Ennis-O’Connor
Marie, I have learned so much from you over the years and your kind comments mean the world to me. Having our oldest son speak, hearing the other patient speakers and the leaders in reconstructive surgery and breast surgery filled my heart for our breast cancer community. I know the work and passion each of them put into this symposium. Including surgeons, healthcare professionals, industry, caregiver, and patient voices is the future and the future is now. We are already planning the next one. Thank you my friend for sharing your thoughts. ~ Terri
Hi Mary. Thank you for your kind words and it was very special to see you there. I couldn’t have been happier for our community to engage with the amazing speakers and gather the resources at the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. Thank you for coming.