Debbie Oudiz

Deyla Tappan is my wonderful daughter and mother to her daughter, Traveler and her son, Zaca. Having successfully navigated a new midlife career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Deyla has been handed a new hero’s journey in the form of a breast cancer diagnosis. Deyla just turned 50, and she is now in the increasing and alarming group of younger women who are developing breast cancers. To say Deyla is mother just to Zaca and Traveler is inadequate, because I have watched her also mother and love an entire mico-generation of Traveler and Zaca’s peers. She has been the patient ear when they’ve felt unheard, the warm embrace when they've felt alone, and the shelter when they've been unhoused. Working as a therapist, she has now extended her circle of unconditional support to the benefit of many, many families around the Portland Metro area and beyond. The positive ripples she's put into the world may be immeasurable, but our support of her can be real, measurable and abundant. Deyla’s particular form of breast cancer requires 4 to 6 months of chemotherapy and adjunct immunotherapy, followed by significant surgery and a year of follow up treatments. The path will be very challenging, but is highly effective with an excellent chance of full recovery in the end. However, the next 6 to 8+ months will contain a gauntlet of challenges for her and her family. Along with the physical cost, this disease will take a financial toll. Deyla has health insurance, but the out of pocket maximums and co-pays necessary for this treatment are substantial, and she will need to pay them through this year, and into next. In addition, professional ethics do not allow her to see therapy clients during her chemotherapy and surgery due to potential negative impact on her clients, so her income will be significantly reduced. She will qualify for 12 weeks of paid disability leave, but she will still be facing a challenging economic shortfall for the next 8+ months. It is time for the unconditional love Deyla has put out into the world to be magnified back to her! Myself, Traveler, Zaca , and our circle of friends are asking for donations to help her through this health and financial challenge. We humbly ask that you join us in supporting this indispensable, kind, and loving human being. Please consider a donation, and help us extend her support circle by sending links to your friends and family. Any amount is meaningful. Thank you deeply, from all of our hearts, for your loving support. Debbie Oudiz Traveler Gates Zaca Gates