Buckhannon Community Theatre members and the Upshur County community are rallying to support longtime member and local resident Teresa Khan, who is facing a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Teresa was born in Wadestown, W.Va., and moved to Buckhannon after her marriage to Dr. Ali Khan, who had accepted a job at St. Joseph’s Hospital. From that moment, she immersed herself in local life — running for the House of Delegates and Upshur County Commission, championing Relay for Life, reading to schoolchildren and lighting up the stage in numerous BCT productions.
On January 21, 2025, her son, Derya, shared the devastating news that Teresa had been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma, a cancer affecting only seven in every 100,000 patients.
“Cancer is terrifying. A rare cancer is even more so,” Derya said. “The news was devastating, but I reminded her of what I’ve always known and currently live by myself: she is a fighter. She has faced every challenge with strength and resilience, and this battle will be no different. She is fighting, with both good days and bad. But we are holding onto hope.”
To uplift her spirits, Derya set out to take his mother back to her favorite place – the Magic Kingdom, and on Monday, he announced the trip is officially scheduled for March 6-9, 2025.
“Our main goal is to take a trip down memory lane and to go to her main happy place before things get tough,” he said. “We also want to lift her spirits up so that she can battle this cancer even harder.”
Those who have worked alongside Teresa in local theatre describe her as the heart and soul of many productions.
For instance, Jeremiah Smallridge, a BCT member, noted her impact behind the scenes.
“Teresa has been an invaluable part of our community theatre for many years, dedicating her time and talents to making every production she is a part of a success,” he said. “From organizing fundraisers to building props and welcoming guests with a warm smile, her passion and hard work bring our shows to life. Her commitment to the arts and our community has made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for all she has done.”
Risë Hanifan, another longtime collaborator, echoed that sentiment.
“Teresa has always been such a hard-working, dedicated and reliable member of our community,” Hanifan said. “Everything she commits herself to, she gives 1,000 percent. Whether she was fundraising, stage managing, acting or working at the box office, Teresa has been an integral part of the arts in our community. I am so grateful for her big heart.”
Others speak of the warm welcome Teresa extends beyond the stage. Dannie Stiles credits her with making Buckhannon feel like home.
“Teresa Khan has been one of the greatest blessings in my life since moving to Upshur County,” he said. “Arriving in a new place without friends or immediate family was a strange and unfamiliar feeling, but Teresa changed that. She welcomed me into her family with open arms, and together, we’ve shared countless unforgettable memories.”
“She encourages me to keep pushing for my best and is always there when I need a listening ear,” Stiles added. “Teresa is an incredible person –her heart is bigger than anyone realizes, and she wears it openly, giving so much to those she loves.”
Teresa’s kindness extends far beyond the theatre, as Pam Bucklew fondly recalled.
“Teresa started coming to Jimmy to have her hair done when Derya was probably a year old,” the local hairdresser recalled. “Jimmy was in the beginning of a heart condition and started going to Dr. Khan, probably with her coaxing him at a hair appointment.”
“Teresa was always kind and sweet but professional,” Bucklew added. “I eventually started going there also [to Dr. Khan], and they always took care of me, and I will always be grateful. Teresa always looked out for the less fortunate. The office is not the same without her.”
Despite moving away from Buckhannon, Lee Barbo cherishes the bond forged on and off the BCT stage.
“Teresa, my friend, I cannot emphasize enough the impact you’ve made in my life,” she said. “We’ve crammed a lot of ridiculous fun in just a little bit of time. We’ve been phantoms and Charles Dickens characters together, and we’ve failed together at a hilariously ridiculous attempt to be over-the-hill pole dancers in Rock of Ages.”
“We’ve shared some great belly laughs together, and we’ve supported each other through some difficult times,” Barbo said. “You’ve been my partner in crime, and I’m proud to call you my friend and my fellow crazy lady. I have missed you terribly since I moved away. I hope to spend more crazy lady time with you soon!”
Amid the flood of well-wishes, Carol Meese underscored Teresa’s unwavering dedication.
“Teresa’s love of the theatre is revealed in everything she does,” Meese said. “She takes her jobs seriously, striving to do her very best and helping others in any way she can. Teresa enjoys acting, finding and creating props, stage managing — and anything else that is needed. With a smile on her face, she’s always ready to jump right in and tackle the job at hand. Her organization keeps the backstage running smoothly. Teresa has been a genuine asset to BCT, and I’m proud to call her my friend.”
