Support Terri's Fight Against Breast Cancer

Early June 2024, Terri "Tētē" Deveau’s mammogram showed a mass in her right breast. The biopsy and pathology findings confirmed the mass to be breast cancer. When Terri received the diagnosis, she was devastated and unsure what to do or where to turn. As her long-time friend, she turned to me. She knew that I lost one of my sisters to breast cancer and that I may be able to help her with the knowledge I gained from working for a well-renowned breast cancer surgeon.

My name is Theresa "Tyla" Gray. The special friendship Terri and I share spans decades through our mutual respect and admiration for one another not only as singers, but also as individuals. The day Terri walked into vocal rehearsal and disclosed the disheartening news of her breast cancer diagnosis requiring surgery and radiation treatment, my heart sank.

This critical event will dramatically change Terri’s life, as she will face major struggles along the way, physically, emotionally, as well as monetarily. Terri’s insurance will only pay a portion for her treatment leaving her accountable for the remaining costs. Terri’s sick and vacation time pay from her work is minimal, and no paycheck will put her in severe debt for any forthcoming bills. Terri’s health predicament is at a stage that she needs treatment and cannot afford to pay the costs on her own. She needs your help.

For those of you who know Terri "Tētē" Deveau, it takes a lot for her to swallow her pride to ask for help. Terri is a compassionate and kindhearted soul who thinks to ask others for help would be a burden. With the news of her cancer and the exorbitant costs, my tenacity impelled me take on the responsibility of trying to secure funds for her financial needs (with her permission).

I started this GoFundMe crusade to raise funds to cover Terri’s medical expenses. To help with this task I pulled a team together with Jen Thayer and Olivia “Via” Piscitello. Your contributions will help immensely, allowing Terri to concentrate on her treatment, recovery, and well-being.

A Little Ditty of Information

In July, Terri underwent a lumpectomy surgical procedure (also known as a partial mastectomy) on her right breast to remove the mass. Prohibited from working, the course of recovery and healing was a slow and painful process, which in turn exhausted her allotted employment vacation and sick pay.

With no income, the medical bills piling up started to overwhelm Terri to the point that she made the decision to return to work. Her job requires usage of her arms and as a result, a new lump formed on her right breast. This is becoming a no-win situation, and Terri needs your help to pay these bills so she can properly heal.

Radiation therapy treatment is Terri’s next mountain to climb with an average cost of $50,000.

Terri lost her fiancé, Brian, to cancer in 2021. Life is unfair that she also has cancer. Now is the time we need to support one another the most.

Cancer can strike at any time in anyone, your family, your friends, and even you. When cancer affects one person, it affects every person around them.

With great humility, I implore you to donate to this worthy cause. A contribution of $5.00 (or more) would mean more than you could ever know.

Every donation will go toward paying Terri’s medical treatment and medication not covered by insurance, insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and everyday living expenses. To those of you who contributed, we whole-heartedly thank you.

Please share our GoFundMe link through your email, text, or social media to spread the word. We greatly appreciate all of you. https://www.gofundme.com/f/tetesfund

A benefit for Terri is in the works to raise more funds. We will keep you up to date when more information becomes available. Thank you.

Much Love & Gratitude,

Theresa “Tyla” Gray - Administrator / Organizer

Jen Thayer & Olivia “Via” Piscitello - Team Members

Support Terri's Fight Against Breast Cancer