I am a woman who has faced some of life’s most profound challenges, yet I continue to rise, grow, and move forward. My story is one of resilience, faith, and strength—a journey I share in my upcoming book. Through every struggle, I remind myself of a simple truth: I have no control over what life brings, but I do have control over how I face it. So, every day, I get up, get dressed, and keep going.
I am blessed with two amazing sons who fill my heart with pride.
My oldest is a veteran firefighter, a proud Army veteran who served our country for four years, and now serves as a K-9 Deputy Officer. He is the father of two wonderful sons, and I am honored to be their grandmother.
My youngest, my baby boy, is now proudly serving in the Army as part of Military Intelligence, following in his brother’s footsteps and making his own mark on the world.
Both of my sons inspire me daily with their courage, dedication, and strength. They are my greatest blessings, and I couldn’t be prouder of the men they have become.
My beautiful daughter, Tori, is in heaven. She went to be with the Lord in 2014 at the young age of 26 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Her memory inspires me every day to live with purpose and to help others through her legacy.
Life is not always easy. There are moments when I feel weak, cry, or lose my way. But there are also moments of laughter, love, and gratitude. I remind myself that even when I feel lost or overwhelmed, I have learned one of life’s most valuable lessons: I am not in control, but I trust the One who is.
Each day is part of a greater journey—a journey of growth, faith, and perseverance. Life is not a destination; it is a series of moments that shape us, teach us, and prepare us. Whether I wake up tomorrow or not, I know where my heart is, and I know where I will be.
#Stronger #Wiser #GrievingMom
Lisa Medders combines her extensive experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for helping others to excel in every aspect of real estate, mentorship, and community building.
The Team Tori Foundation was created in loving memory of my daughter, Tori Riley, who bravely battled colon cancer but tragically passed away on August 24, 2014, at just 26 years old. Tori’s incredible strength, courage, and compassionate spirit inspire everything we do.
Through the foundation, I am dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of colon cancer, especially among young adults, and educating others about the importance of early detection and advocacy for their health. This mission is deeply personal, as Tori’s diagnosis at such a young age opened my eyes to the need for more awareness and education.
In 2016, the Team Tori Foundation awarded its first annual scholarship at Tori’s high school in O'Fallon, IL. This scholarship celebrates her legacy and provides financial support to students pursuing their dreams—just as Tori would have wanted.
The foundation also strives to ease the burden for families facing the financial challenges of cancer treatment. Whether it's helping cancer fighters set up donation sites or providing assistance through our programs, we aim to be a source of support and hope for those in need.
Tori’s memory lives on through the foundation’s efforts to inspire, educate, and support others. If you’d like to learn more about the foundation or get involved, click on the Team Tori logo above. Together, we can make a difference in honor of Tori and everyone touched by this disease.
💙 Forever Team Tori 💙