Testimonials

“Terry’s story is inspiring for anyone facing a life challenge. His honesty and vulnerability in relating his experience is something that everyone can connect to regardless of whether they are a cancer patient or not. Terry does an incredible job of telling his story in a personable, insightful and moving way, providing lessons that all of us can learn from. I wasn’t surprised to find my inbox full of positive messages from our audience the following morning, including some stating it was the most inspirational talk they had ever heard.” Rob Tufel, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Support Community, San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek, CA September 29, 2022

“Terry spoke on the afternoon of a two-day meeting and fully captivated the room.  He is a very authentic and engaging speaker. Terry brought us along in his journey. Other than his voice – you could hear a pin drop. Nobody was on their phones or laptops – a true testament to his story and delivery. To say Terry’s story is inspirational is an understatement. What I got out of his session is that we all have that inner strength – we just need to tap into it and have the support of our friends, families and colleagues. Terry also provided his tool kit of what helped him not only survive but thrive. That tool kit is applicable to people’s personal and professional lives – as it centers on trust & teamwork, focus, positive thinking, balance and visualization. His session balanced out a pretty intense meeting and provided a perspective that will help teams focus on what is really important. I highly recommend bringing Terry into speak at a professional or faith-based meeting. Side note – We also purchased books to hand out to the attendees. The book is very well written, inspirational and a quick read.” Christine Pratt, Senior Manager, Marketing, Cisco Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA, May 8, 2019 

“I saw Terry speak at an event in Bend, Oregon about 6 months ago and I knew he would be the perfect speaker for our annual dealer lunch in Burlingame, CA. Terry and I have known each other for many years and I was truly inspired listening to his first-hand experience of battling cancer throughout his life.   Terry’s story touched each of us at our luncheon for various different reasons. The most common theme was that anything is achievable no matter what the adverse conditions are. Terry’s onstage presence was humbling for everyone in the audience. We look forward to having him back in the future.” Grant Riggs, President & CEO, Riggs Distributing, Burlingame, CA, January 16, 2019

 “Terry delivered an inspiring message during the 25th Year End Celebration of the Heartland Study Club. His presentation was uplifting and encouraging to all the healthcare providers in the room. From a healthcare provider perspective, Terry’s experience was extraordinary. He has been through extensive challenges and has come through them all amazingly. The courage which Terry displayed during his healthcare challenges, as well as his willingness to share them with others, is truly inspirational.” Michael J. Noffze, DDS, MD, Director of Heartland Study Club, Fargo, ND, May 17, 2018

“Terry’s message is a powerful reminder that one can grow through adversity. He presents a challenge to the listener that is compelling, and if embraced, has the potential to be life changing. Thank you Terry for sharing your journey in such a profound manner, our team left both inspired and empowered to own the change they desire.” Kimberly Popovits, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer & President, Genomic Health, Inc., December 3, 2015

“Every company in every industry is faced with adversity at one point of time or another. Terry delivers such an inspirational message to help lead during those times through the messaging of teamwork, focus and positive thinking. I can’t recommend a more insightful speaker who makes you see the bigger picture to get through any challenge. Terry inspired the entire room to wanting to do better with their lives, as he has done. Well done Terry!” Molly Lewis, Senior Regional Manager, Genomic Health, Inc., December 3, 2015

“I spent years in locker rooms with Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, and Ronnie Lott, and I have never heard something so inspirational as your story.” Dwight Clark, San Francisco 49ers, August 24, 2015

“As a cancer program administrator, I found Terry Healey’s testimonial of his journey with cancer absolutely inspiring. Terry serves as a great example of how someone can turn a devastating event such as dealing with a disfiguring cancer into a story of resilience and survivorship. He is to be commended for his courage and willingness to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to those not only facing cancer but any major adversity in life.Thank you Terry!” Brenda Carlson, Executive Director of Oncology, John Muir Health, November 14, 2015

“Thank you for speaking at our 19th Annual American Cancer Society Golden Gate Invitational. Our guests were visibly moved by your courageous personal story. Thank you for sharing and being such an inspiration to us all!”
Golden Gate Invitational Council, American Cancer Society, August 24, 2015

“Terry spoke at our recent departmental offsite. His inspirational message coupled with his unassuming and approachable style helped set the tone for what ended up being a positive, collaborative and successful session. Terry’s personal story of triumph over adversity is extremely relevant to all of us who struggle to achieve a healthy balance in both our personal and professional lives.” Fred Kaynor, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, Schwab Charitable, February 12, 2015

“Thank you, Terry! What an inspirational speech and a great way to kick off a very productive day for our team! We really appreciate the time you spent, and the valuable insights – and look forward to keeping the connection going.” Kim Laughton, President, Schwab Charitable, February 12, 2015

“On October 24, 2012 we were privileged to have Terry Healey keynote our Revolutionaries for Global Health Summit in San Francisco. As a cancer survivor, his talk drove home PerkinElmer’s mission of eradicating cancer. Everyone in attendance was riveted by his survival story – it was wonderful to see his story inspire the doctors, government officials, investors, scientists, and researchers to work harder in the global battle against cancer. It brought PerkinElmer’s applications & technologies, the science, and patients’ struggles together to show the big picture of what can be done to eradicate this disease. Seeing how Terry’s talk first-handedly motivated such a large group of diverse people to come together as a global health revolutionaries movement against cancer/disease was a once in a lifetime experience!” Kevin Hrusovsky, President, Life Sciences & Technology, PerkinElmer, October 24, 2012

“While Terry came highly recommended, I was not sure exactly what to expect. Having had significant experience with “motivational” speakers in the past, I was concerned that he may not have the intended impact. Admittedly, my previous fears were unfounded: not only did Terry manage to provide the audience with the proper balance of personal and professional detail, but his story as a whole serves in itself as an eye-opening wonder, seeping with valuable inspiration,. But Terry does not only bring a story, but a delivery style that captures attention and instructs, so that we may all share in his life experience and apply his wisdom to our lives.” Maurice Ducoing, Chairman, Membership Education, Zeta Psi Educational Foundation, August 16, 2012

“Terry was highly recommended to us when we searched for an inspiring speaker for our recent team offsite, and we quickly determined he would be a great match. Terry is a very skilled speaker, and immediately captivated us. He shared very powerful and personal details of his triumph over cancer and gave all of us the means to apply his gained knowledge and perspective to our daily lives. His story resonated with all of us, and we all came away very touched by Terry’s outlook on life. I highly recommend him! I am also reading his book, At Face Value, and am already hooked after just the first few pages.”
Angela Moran, Communications Manager, Technical Services, Cisco Systems, Inc. January 12, 2012

“Thank you so much for speaking at our Foodster’s(FIF) luncheon. Your life story is inspiring and your speaking style endearing. There wasn’t a member that wasn’t uplifted by the meeting’s end.” Ken Porter, President, Food Industry Foundation (a.k.a. Foodsters), October 29, 2010

“Every time I hear Terry share his amazing lifetime story, it gives back in so many ways. Remembering the messages from his experience mean so much. It reminds us how our attitude, support system, and positive thinking can keep us sound during the hard times in life.” Dina Benigni-Bogaards, CPIW, DAE, CRIS – National Association of Women in Construction, October 20, 2010

“Thank you for your recent presentation to our All Hands Meeting. Your ability to transform your life by facing your challenges head-on and learning how to place your trust in people and events was inspirational to our entire team. It was a good reminder about becoming more tolerant and less judgmental towards whatever life hands us. Thank you for such an uplifting talk.”
Peter Alexander, Vice President, Worldwide Business Marketing, Cisco Systems, Inc., March 24, 2008

“Thank you for speaking at our 49th John Muir Medical Center Auxiliary Annual Meeting. Many attendees told me that they thought you were the best speaker we have ever had! Without any notes, your easy-going manner and eloquent, inspirational presentation engaged the group from the start. Your voice filled the room and your story filled our hearts. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all.”
Barbara R. Neale, President, John Muir Medical Center Auxiliary, January 21, 2008

“Terry Healey presented a powerful message to our entire football family during our 2007 Fall Football Camp. Even after another long day of training in preparations for the 2007 season, I’ve never seen our players so riveted during a presentation. Terry’s messages about taking control and building trust really hit home for the players and staff. Terry provided great inspiration for the entire team that will carry with us throughout the 2007 season and beyond. Thanks again for all that you do.”
Mike McHugh, Director of Football Operations, University of California, Berkeley, Football, August 15, 2007

“Terry was truly inspirational. His courage, dedication and perseverance is something we can all not only admire, but learn from. Navigating Life’s Roadblocks opens your eyes to lessons and learnings that can be applied to every day life, work life, personal and professional relationships. I look forward to reading Terry’s book, as do the members of the US Commercial Marketing Team.”
Stephanie Moscato, Administration, US Commercial Marketing, Cisco Systems, Inc., January 22, 2008

“I really thought you did an incredible job driving home in such a personal way what The Wellness Community meant to you at our annual Fundraiser event at the Orinda Country Club. I really feel you single handedly have set a bar that will be very difficult if not impossible for us to beat at this fundraiser in years to come!! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with the rest of us and at the same time help raise not only awareness but also valuable funds to help keep the program thriving into the future. A leading healthcare services company agreed to another year of sponsorship after hearing your presentation which basically results in about $100,000.00 in related funding for this event next year!!!!” Rick Lyall, President, AHM Security, Member, Leadership Council, The Wellness Community, June 25, 2007

“Terry, your presentation and speech was so touching, and such a memorable experience. Thank you for your voice, your courage and for sharing your adventure though the good and rough times. You are a blessing.”
Dina Benigni-Bogaards, CPIW, DAE, CRIS – Tri-Valley Insurance Professionals, Immediate Past President, Membership Chairperson and Co-Chair for Programs and Ways & Means Chair, November 11, 2009

“You really added great value to the event for everyone in the room. Your story was dead on with what we were looking for.” Maha Osman, Community Relations Manager, Ventura County Star, April 26, 2007

“Terry Healey brought a huge “Wow” factor to the Diverse Abilities Awareness assemblies and evening parent presentation yesterday. If you missed his talk, you have to ask your kids about it. He spoke with such warmth and conviction. You can take his inspirational words and apply them to overcoming any challenges you face.” Jennifer Lavis & Janet Riley, C0-Presidents, Orinda Intermediate School Parent’s Club, February 8, 2007

“Terry was the motivational speaker at our first-ever Leadership Kickoff Meeting. His personal story of strength and courage was very well received by our management team, especially after some intense business planning sessions. He is an excellent speaker and presenter, and his message of overcoming obstacles and taking risks was particularly inspiring and appropriate for our group. We are looking forward to having him return to speak at future events for our Health System.” Paige Nebeker, Director of Marketing and Media Relations,
Tahoe Forest Health System, September 19, 2006

“Terry’s presentation at our sales meeting really reinforced our key messages to kick off our fiscal year with a big bang! Terry’s enthusiasm and storytelling drove home how each of us can better take control of our work and our personal lives to be the most productive and successful we can be and how we can work as a more cohesive team internally and with our partners to scale our success.” Ken Constantino, Sales Director, US Commercial East, Cisco Systems, Inc., May 23, 2006

Terry’s story was not just an inspirational one, but his business experience and background enabled him to tune his talk to the issues that our sales and marketing organization deals with every day – staying focused, building teams and trust, accepting change, and confronting life’s daily challenges.” Patrick Shea, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Oncology Business Unit, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, January 20, 2005.

“Not only did you meet our expectations, but I have to tell you that your story and the lessons I learned from it meant a great deal to me personally. Thank you for your willingness to share your experience and to inspire all of us. You’re an exceptional guy and a hell of a speaker.” Bruce Morrow, President, M2 Creative Meeting Management (Hired as Motivational Speaker for M2 Client – Ligand Pharmaceuticals, January 20, 2005).

“Your story hit home with everybody. You are an inspiration to us all.” Bruce Klein, Vice President, Federal Sales Organization, Cisco Systems, Inc., January 6, 2005.

“It was a real treat to have you as our guest at the Elios meeting. As everyone agreed, the food was excellent, the atmosphere wonderful, but above all, your presentation was a memorable one. Everyone left the room with the conviction that with faith and persistence, everything is possible. I thank you for sharing your experiences and for giving us the opportunity to draw confidence and encouragement from your example .” Fanis Economidis, President, Elios Society, January 9, 2006.

“What impressed me most about Terry was the way he was able to connect with the audience. Although introducing very serious subjects, Terry’s relaxed delivery and use of humor made everyone comfortable with the topic. By relating his life to all of ours and demonstrating the importance of having a strong network of people behind you, Terry really delivered a powerful message and far surpassed my expectations for making an impact on the women.” Elizabeth Simas, VP, Programming, Santa Clara University Panhellenic Organization, April 18, 2005

“Terry was the final presenter at our meeting after a full day of business updates. Right off the bat, Terry was able to re-energize the room and remind all of us how important it is to take control of our lives and make each day fulfilling. His storytelling and presentation style really brought to life how each of us needs to be present, aware and alert, and the messages and lessons shared were so appropriate for everyone. On a scale of 1-5, Terry’s evaluation came in at 4.8, and the positive comments and enthusiasm expressed after the meeting by attendees really helped to prove how motivating his presentation was.” Luanne Tierney, Director, Cisco Systems, Inc., December 1, 2004.

“Terry kicked off our marketing meeting and charged the room with tremendous enthusiasm and inspiration. His storytelling and positive attitude helped all of us to get a fresh perspective, and to leave our meeting focused on how to take control and face life’s challenges. Terry’s spirit energized us, his humor was memorable, and he moved and touched all of us, setting the tone for a very positive and productive meeting.” Laura Fay, Senior Director, Cisco Systems, Inc., July 20, 2004

“I am proud to recommend Terry Healey as a motivational and inspirational speaker to any organization. Terry overcame tremendous adversity as a young man and has since emerged confident, strong, compassionate and well spoken. I can’t say enough about his shining spirit and unbelievable enthusiasm. When his presentation concluded, he set the tone for one of our best meetings ever! His talk was uplifting and inspired so many of my Managers. They took stock in their own lives and re-evaluated what’s really important in life.” Steve Harden, VP, General Sales Manager, Southern Wine & Spirits of Northern California, May 22, 2002.

“Terry Healey was one of the most confident, moving, and powerful speakers I have heard speak thus far in my life. He has an
incredibly powerful yet tragic story to tell while conveying his great inner strength that he seems to be constantly gaining and
perfecting.” Tara Burrows, Student Body Co-president, Class of 2004 Head-Royce School, March 4, 2004.

“It is no overstatement to say that you “blew guests away” with your up close and personal story! I really wanted to hear more – there’s a rich empathy to your style, and the guests on October 3rd felt they had made a friend, as you seemed to speak just to them! No wonder you are so much in demand as an inspirational speaker!” Dale Block, President, Board of Directors, The Cancer League, Inc., October 3, 2002.

“Thank you so much for providing our students with the opportunity to hear your encouraging presentation. The response from students and faculty was enormously positive. Your struggles in the face of such overwhelming adversity are an encouragement to all students. Students today are facing unbelievable challenges and your personal story inspires them to look deeper within as they develop the self-esteem and confidence to triumph over any obstacle. I would highly recommend your inspirational presentation to all high school students!” Linda Gullick, Health Teacher, Foothill High School, Pleasanton Unified School District, January 31, 2003.

“Your presentation was extremely well received, and the information given was outstanding. With speakers like you, we are able to present quality programs to our healthcare professionals who provide patient care. I thought I’d share with you some of the comments by our 500 attendees:
“Wow! Inspiring!”
“Awesome!”
“Wonderful and uplifting”
“Very impressive and gave a human touch to clinical cases-a real success! Have him back next year!”
Paul Bernstein, M.D., F.A.C.S., Kaiser Permanente & Chairman, Head and Neck Division, American Cancer Society, February 14, 2003.

“Your presentation was an uplifting highlight for all of our patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Our review of our participants’ responses showed that your presentation scored the highest level of all of our presenters.” John R. Saunders, Jr., M.D., Medical Director, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, October 24, 2003

“I found your story to be both inspirational and motivational. Immediately following your talk, I received numerous unsolicited songs of praise for your session. Thank you Terry, once again, for an excellent program.” Lars Ho-Tseung, President, Northern California Label Manufacturer’s Association, June 21, 2003

“This is a lovely man and a forceful, compassionate speaker. I recommend him wholeheartedly.” Whitney Burnett, Executive Director, National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction, May 2, 2003.

“Thank you so much for your amazing presentation. You really moved the audience and touched every individual in the room. Terry will impress you and leave you touched and inspired.” Lindsay Florin, Stanford University, Camp Kesem Coordinator, April 13, 2003.

“A great presentation. It was both stimulating and of practical value for our group.” M. Anthony Pogrel, D.D.S., M.D., F.R.C.S., Professor and Chairman Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), April 9, 2002.

“That Terry Healey be heard is critical. His presentation, At Face Value, is compelling for all health care workers and inspiring for all patients.” Eden Rivera, R.N., B.S.N., Assistant Patient Care Manager, 14 Long, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), January 23, 2002.

“Your presentation was entertaining, enlightening and informative. You addressed the issues of acceptance, tolerance, growth and healing. You brought a sense of optimism and hope not only to others affected with cancer, but to all people. Thank you for sharing your story with the UCSF community.” Jenny Broberg, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Public Affairs, October 17, 2002.

“What was truly notable in your speech was that your words of inspiration didn’t only address cancer survivors, but were inspirational to others to become more tolerant, embrace diversity, and overcome adversity in their own lives. Thank you for expressing your support with your words and actions and for making such a difference.” Judith Parker, The Wellness Community, September 7, 2002.

“Your story is inspiring, and Sales and Marketing Executives-Bay Area had several take-aways. These lessons apply to business and to life. Thanks for sharing them with us.” Lew Altman, President, Sales & Marketing Executives International-San Francisco Bay Area, March 14, 2002.

“From the way some of the students responded, it was clear that they had been challenged to reconsider both how they view and judge other people and how they may be called upon to face the unexpected, perhaps even a crisis, in their own lives at some future time. You established a good rapport with the classes, because you spoke so honestly about yourself and your experiences. Students of this age are curious about what the future holds for them, and so your own directness, even acceptance of the extraordinary difficulties you faced was impressive to them.” Charlie Noland, Department of Religious Studies, De La Salle High School, Concord, California, May 2, 2002.