Honoring Randy Lee Terry Jr.: Colon Cancer Fundraiser

Good day everyone! We are Purple Diamond Divas of Fayetteville, NC. We are a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is giving back to the community. We have partnered with Imperial Nation to put together a fundraiser to not only honor our late recipient who succumbed to his illness but to bring awareness to Colon Cancer and the effects it has on our community; mainly our brothers, fathers, cousins, uncles, and grandfathers.

This fundraiser is in honor of Randy Lee Terry Jr, formerly known within his community as DJ Swift. Randy was born on February 1, 1978, in Harlem, NY. Randy's love of music, which evolved into him becoming DJ Swift, the Poconos' #1 DJ, began at an early age as he would never leave the house without his "My First Sony" Walkman and a cassette tape that included his favorite songs. For more than 20 years, he blessed the Poconos and the Tri-State area with his gift and was the go-to DJ if you wanted your event to be taken to the next level and dance until your feet hurt. He received many accolades while serving his community. Among them was the Monroe County Image Award for Community Entertainer of the Year. He was also the NAACP Freedom Fund 50 Years of Hip Hop Honoree posthumously for his dedication, inspiration, and love for the culture. He always said, "It's not about me, it is about the music and the smooth transitions."

Sadly, on November 26, 2019, Randy was riddled with shocking news. On that day, he was diagnosed with Colon Cancer at St. Luke's Hospital. Despite the shocking discovery, he did not let the news of Stage IV cancer get him down as he continued to live, laugh, and enjoy life to the fullest. Right by his side was his best friend, his loving and devoted wife, Shaquona Terry, to get him through even the toughest of times. His wife encouraged him to create a bucket list of all the things he wanted to do before he became unable, and she made sure all but one came to fruition.

On July 22, 2022, Randy succumbed to his diagnosis peacefully with his loving wife by his side and surrounded by loved ones who will strive to honor his memory by living their lives to the fullest. Randy touched and enriched many lives with his gentle, kind, and humble personality and, of course, his silly sense of humor. He was a dedicated father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend who will be greatly missed.

So on March 29th, we want to honor him by donating to the Colon Cancer Coalition where he began his cancer trials. Cancer is a grave illness and we want to help researchers by finding a cure for this disease. We can't do it alone, so we are asking for your help.