Lisa Medders | Resilient. Faith-Filled. Unstoppable.
I am Lisa Medders, a woman who knows what it means to rise after life has tried to break you. I’ve walked through fire, faced heartbreak no mother should ever endure, and stood in the storm with nothing but faith to hold onto. Yet, here I am. Still standing. Still growing. Still moving forward with purpose. I’m a licensed Notary Public in Columbia County, Georgia, a real estate powerhouse, mentor, investor, and the proud founder of the Team Tori Foundation, created to honor the enduring light and legacy of my daughter. But beyond the professional titles, I am a mother who has loved deeply, lost profoundly, and lived intentionally. My life isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a testimony of resilience, redemption, and real, unwavering strength. And I tell that story in my upcoming memoir, A Grieving Mom’s Walk, and in my next book, Thixkin, releasing in January 2026—a bold exploration of life, legacy, and letting go of what doesn’t matter. I’m the proud mother of two extraordinary sons. My oldest is a decorated Army veteran, a veteran firefighter, and now a K-9 Deputy Officer—a fierce protector and devoted father of two amazing boys. Being their granny is one of my greatest joys.
My youngest son is serving our country in U.S. Army Military Intelligence, blazing his own trail while honoring the strength and sacrifice that runs in our family. My sons are my daily reminders that courage is not just taught—it’s lived. My beautiful daughter, Tori Anne Riley, passed away in 2014 at just 26 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Her life was radiant. Her faith unshakable. Her legacy everlasting. Everything I do—every word I write, every heart I reach—carries her spirit forward. Yes, life has knocked me down. I’ve cried, questioned, and stumbled through the darkness. But every single morning, I choose this: Get up. Get dressed. Keep going.
I may not control the storms life brings, but I trust the One who does. That trust has taught me to live each day with purpose, with grace, and with the fire to keep moving even when the way is unclear. My story is more than survival. It is a calling to every woman who feels broken, unseen, or undone.
You are not finished. You are being refined. You still have a purpose. Stronger. Wiser. Faith-filled. Fiercely moving forward. Because while I don’t know what tomorrow holds, I know who holds me.
#Stronger #Wiser #GrievingMom #BetterWithMedders #Thixkin
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 💙