In memory of mom, Unity woman hails breast cancer warriors

UNITY — On Oct. 27, I , Amy Briggs wanted to do something in loving memory of my beautiful mom Vicky Rissling.

My mom passed away from breast cancer in 2019 and it has been a struggle ever since. I miss her dearly however I know she is with me constantly. She left me a wonderful message on how to share some positive light due to Breast Cancer awareness month. Two weeks before she passed my mom mentioned how majority of breast cancer fundraisers are directed to research and not for the individuals themselves who are struggling or need a simple I’m-thinking-of-you gift. I never knew what to do with that profound message, until now.

On that particular day I announced a fundraiser that will be going toward local breast cancer (or any cancer) warriors who have lost a parent due to cancer, are going through cancer or are in remission. My goal was to get roughly five luxury self-care gift bags, however, through donations, we ended up with 31 in four short days. Nominees were from Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Macklin, Luseland, North Battleford, Wilkie, Unity and all rural areas in between.

Local friends, family, and many businesses all donated on behalf of this wonderful occasion of celebrating our warriors. We had over 60 incredible donation items for our luxury bags. And for cash donations the warriors received $5,270.

The cash donations were then used to support local business in Unity and surrounding towns to purchase self-care items and services to fill the gift bags. Some items included massages, floats, pedicures, facials, high-end spa products and skin care, Hillberg and Berk earrings, shopping gift cards, haircuts and colours and more. Every bag was different as we had many different donations.

Nov. 9, my dad, Murry Rissling, and I drove around to multiple warriors homes to celebrate their strength and courage. Having my dad with me was surly a beautiful thing as he brought so much positive energy along the way.

My mom is my true inspiration, always has, and always will be. I smile every time I think of her and her bravery. I want to be like her when I grow up. If I can touch even one soul then all of this will be worth it.