Team member Terri Bilger battles breast cancer for the second time.

Terri Black was born May 8, 1949, in Harrisburg, PA. She married Mervin Bilger on February 24, 1968, and relocated to Texas from upstate New York in May of 1972.  Terri and Merv have two beautiful children, Pam and Steven.  Terri has five grandchildren whom she absolutely adores and spends as much time with as possible.  Pam married Russ Watson and their children are Samuel and Will.  Steven married Amy and their children are Sophie, Ella, and Benjamin.  Terri has worked for the North Richland Hills Police Department for over 20 years, and she currently works for the Office of the Chief of Police.

Terri was first diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2001 in her left breast and proceeded with a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.  In April 2002, Terri walked in the inaugural 3-Day Walk in the Dallas Fort Worth area.  At the time she was seven months out from completing her chemo and radiation.  By the end of the walk her legs were wrapped from knee to ankle from shin splints; but, as she crossed the finish line elated, exhausted, and tears flowing down her cheeks, she became an inspiration to many. She has touched even more over the last several years with her comical personality and positive attitude.  Terri was a part of the all-volunteer crew for the 2006 and 2007 DFW 3-DAY and will be walking again this year on November 7-9, 2008.

In late February 2008, Terri was told that her cancer was back, and she was diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma “in situ”) in her right breast. DCIS means the cells are in a duct in the original spot where it started and has not spread.  That’s a good thing because it is considered non-invasive.  The not so good thing is that with a lumpectomy it is harder to guarantee clear margins with the cells being scattered in the duct, as opposed to removing a mass.  Her options are to have a lumpectomy and radiation hoping it does not return, or a total mastectomy with a guarantee it won’t return.  Terri has opted to have a total mastectomy on April 18, 2008.  

Her loving husband, Mervin and her beautiful children will be by her side. Many others will be keeping her in their prayers.  Terri and Mervin celebrated their 40th anniversary together just after she got this devastating news. The things Terri cherishes most are her relationship with God, her family, friends and LIFE.