Help Teri Fight Cancer - Odette's Ordeal

In October 2018, Teri was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable cancer that forms in the bone marrow, where it is carried through the bloodstream, killing healthy cells and causing extreme bone fragility and pain. Reeling from the diagnosis, Teri was informed that the increasing severity of pain throughout her rib cage and torso (the part of the anatomy this cancer usually attacks first) was due to multiple broken and fractured bones. Basically, the cancer eats her bones from the inside out. As there is no cure, Teri was informed that things were going to get a lot worse before they got better, if they got better.

The only given hope was immediate chemotherapy. (Alternatively, was an extremely difficult stem cell transplant; potential spinal surgeries to support a failing skeletal frame with possible side effects nearly as painful as the cancer). Ongoing chemo and/or immunotherapy infusions were to be in her future...forever. Despite the daunting future, Teri approached her treatment the same way she approaches everything, with the same vigor and positivity.

Who is Teri? Teri McCollum is a cheerleader. That is who she is. She actually was a professional cheerleader with the Oakland Raiderettes! You can see her redheaded self in uniform here! Her greatest joy is cheering others on to achieve their best performance. Later, she became a "cheerleader" as a dance journalist for the San Francisco Bay Area’s dance scene, reviewing specifically for the dancers of San Francisco Ballet within her popular blog of Odette's Ordeal. Then in one short month, Teri went from fully employed with a passionate “side gig” (as a dance writer) to disability with two impending rounds of chemotherapy (all the while managing with broken ribs).

Teri needs funds immediately. Each day Teri faces the possibility of being evicted and relying on “Good Samaritans” to simply bring food and liquids that ease her nausea or are easier to consume. Teri has spent her entire retirement savings on healthcare, rent, and groceries suited for her dietary restrictions. After 3 years of single-handedly fighting Multiple Myeloma, a sum of approximately $120,000 spent on medical bills (not covered by insurance) and living expenses, has depleted her savings. These expenses continue to pile up. This is now the first fundraising effort for her.

These funds will help! As of today, the hope is to raise $150,000 for Teri to have funds to supplement her income in order to: stay in the safe place she calls “home” and remain housed; have in-home assistance from professional care workers as needed; and provide the necessary ongoing treatment. Her goal is to continue to live independently, remain near her medical team, and continue to support the arts and dance community.

Currently, her cancer is technically in a phase called “Multiple Myeloma Relapsed”, and she still suffers the unbearable and painful side-effects of the initial treatment and the damage the cancer did to her body. She continues monthly “maintenance” chemo and immunotherapy infusion treatment to ensure that she stays in remission, one of many that MM patients have till they pass on. When the disease returns, so will non-maintenance full-on chemotherapy.

Her ability to get herself to chemo appointments gets harder and harder as the fight against this cancer and its treatments that has debilitated her. It is even difficult for her to get around the house. Friends, many within the dance community, had gathered around Teri and helped with things like laundry and driving her to appointments and house cleaning. Since COVID-19 emerged, Teri was isolated from most visitors as the cancer makes her exceptionally vulnerable to COVID-19. Therefore, she is having to do much by herself, which is exhausting.

Additional Information:

Teri is left without an immediate family and many of her chosen family passed away during the AIDS epidemic. From scratch, she built her own community within her popular blog, Odette's Ordeal, which lifted up San Francisco dancers, from the Corps de Ballet to Principal ranks. Teri’s heart was showcased through her reviews of each dancer, seeing them as individuals with unique personality and style. In addition, Teri worked tirelessly for “The Izzies" aka the “Isadora Duncan Dance Awards” and became reputable throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and international dance community. Let us not forget that Teri herself studied and performed as a dancer, as well as a violinist! Which connects her to the unique challenges within the lifestyle and profession of an athlete and artist.

Teri understands that this is a difficult time for so many and is grateful for the amount you are comfortable giving. Your gifts and simple action of sharing this page brings light in a dark place and hope for those that want to show Teri she is loved. She thanks her village that she calls "Teri's Team Tiara"

Additional Organizers: Kimberly Marie Olivier and Pascal Molat former dancers of San Francisco Ballet

P.S. "Teri's Team Tiara" An emergency effort on September 28, 2021 - to those that know Teri feel free to directly assist. Additional information is here VenMo @Teri-McCollum-1 and PayPal TeriMcCollum292