Help us help Terri

What Terri means to me – Joe

Joe — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:18:02 +0000

As we get older, it becomes harder and harder to find people who we feel safe letting in. Our childhood friends hold a special place in our hearts that is tough to match by those that we meet later in life. Once in a while, we are lucky enough to meet someone whose goodness is so obvious that we can’t help but allow them in to our hearts, and they become instant friends. Terri Eickel is one of those people. There is a kindness and a selflessness inside this tiny, mighty woman that inspires all who are close to her, and we are all so proud to call her our friend.
When a major health crisis hit close to my home five years ago, I was blessed to have had the support which allowed my family to focus only on physical and spiritual recovery, and not on the financial worries which otherwise would have sidetracked our convalescence. That was an invaluable gift to me and my wife, Kate, in a time of tremendous need.
It is a gift which our dear Terri needs today.
Without a doubt, Terri is a woman that inspires the best in us. She has fought for others through much of her life, and it is time to rally around her and reciprocate now.
Please give generously today and help this incredible person win her fight with cancer.

For every Turandot, there has to be a Liu – from Othalie

Joe — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 02:46:21 +0000

When I first met Terri I knew instantly that I would love her and that she would be a friend for life. She is one of the FEW women that I not only love, but respect and TRULY admire. Her inner strength, her tenacity and her resilience is ASTOUNDING!! Whenever I speak to singers starting their careers about the business I have always used Terri as a PERFECT example of what it takes to succeed. Whenever I felt like pulling the covers over my head in some very difficult personal moments I always called her or thought about what she would do if given any opportunity. Terri has always said that I was much stronger than her because I am aggressive but she has always had a quiet inner strength that far surpasses everyone else. It has always been my honor to call this incredible woman my friend.

Tiny but Mighty Terri Eickel

Janelle — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:14:05 +0000

I don’t often meet someone who is tinier in size and mightier in voice than myself, but that would be an accurate description of Terri Eickel. In every sense, whether in voice or in personal character, Terri is one of those people that can command a room and make you want to be just like her when you grow up. In one word… she’s awesome.

When I first met Terri several years ago, it was a few years after a debilitating car accident, my own scare with cancer and in the middle of a struggle with endometriosis. We didn’t talk about any of that then. A nasty little secret about your favorite artists… while we have the gifts to inspire thousands, you could count us among the vulnerable populations. It’s hard to find affordable insurance since we work as independent contractors. We are left underinsured and/or uninsured. One stroke of bad luck… well, you get the picture. That’s a stigma not one of us would care to wear on our sleeves.

In fact, Terri never realized it, but I was (and remain) a great admirer. It was what she was doing at the time that inspired my own path later. Terri worked as a part time Executive Director for a wonderful non-profit while pursuing a performing career. While my own health and insurance needs did not allow me to continue performing, at least I had some kind example to encourage me to remain relevant to my community by leading a mission-driven life. For that, I am forever grateful.

I would encourage you to be generous with your help. I cannot tell you how dark those times seem while you are racked with financial worry when you should be focused on getting well. I believe that access to health care is not just for those that can afford the tens of thousands it takes when catastrophe happens. However, until that day, I also believe that we can all chip in and help a friend in need. Please consider making a donation today. It really does make such a big difference. Thank you.

From Terri…

Joe — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:18:05 +0000

Hi everyone! Well, I wish that I had better news, but I was diagnosed with cancer a few days before Thanksgiving. Ever since then, it’s been a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments and tests. i have received many wonderful cards, e-mails, and phone calls, so I wanted to set up a CarePages to keep you all updated on my progress. My prognosis is excellent, although the next 9 months will be a challenge. As my oncologist said, “Terri, it’s going to be a rough year, but you’ll get through it.” I’m already looking forward to next Thanksgiving!

OK, specific details – I have been diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive lobular and ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer. Blech. There is a approximately 3cm lump in my right breast – in addition, there are two axilla lymph nodes involved. It is hormone receptive, but I did not test positive for the breast cancer gene. The CT scan, bone scan, and MRI came back clear – no metastasis!

I will be doing eight rounds of chemo in 16 weeks – for you non-math whizzes, that is once every two weeks. It’s fairly grueling, but I am tough and in great shape. The goal of the chemo is to shrink the tumor, clean up my lymph nodes, and kill any cancer cells that may be floating around my body, looking for a home. I will do the ACT protocol – four rounds of AC (Adriamycin/Cytoxan) and four rounds of Taxol.

After the chemo is done, I will do surgery and radiation. And then I will very likely begin Tamoxifen. In addition to my traditional medical approach, I am supplementing with chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, guided imagery therapy, and the best diet and exercise plan you have ever seen! This will help allievate side effects, boost my immune system, and speed my healing.

That’s my game plan – I know that I am going to kick this and be better on the other side of it.

Thank you for all of your love and support – you’re the best!