Alissa joined My Hope Bag after meeting her through a local women’s networking group in July 2020. She wanted to “pay forward” the kindness and love she experienced when she was going through her breast cancer journey. Little did we know what a blessing she was going to be to My Hope Bag.

Alissa signed up right away to participate in My Hope Bag’s “Hope Sister” program. She visited newly diagnosed breast cancer warriors to spread joy to them, while also delivering one of our bags filled with comfort items. She participated in the Adopt-a-Family program at Christmas 2020. Donned with her covid mask, she delivered presents to breast cancer survivors and their families. She always brought a smile to their faces and helped them forget about their cancer for a little while, knowing others cared about them enough to buy them presents. Sadly, she left us in January 2021 due to a recurrence. Alissa was a beautiful, spirited, heartfelt woman who will be missed by all who knew her. My Hope Bag was so blessed to have been able to know Alissa and she has been immensely missed.

We lost the most amazing man, Brian Ellery, on March 7, 2023 Brian would affectionately introduce himself to people as “The Man Behind the Woman”. Sarah Ellery’s loving husband was chatting with her one minute, and the next minute he wasn’t. Life is so fragile. Brian was always there for My Hope Bag. He loved meeting new people and always enjoyed talking with anyone associated with breast cancer. He was friends with everyone he met. And he loved all of the My Hope Bag events and watching Sarah get so excited about how many more warriors we were going to serve.

But more than all of that was his devotion to his family. He was a loving husband and amazing father to three wonderful children and one incredible grandson. To say he is missed is an understatement.

Robyn Zepeda received her angel wings on May 15, 2022, after such a strong fight against cancer. Robyn fought hard and was a beacon of light to those with whom she came in contact.

Robyn was always here to help others. She made the calls, traveled the distance, and never let anything get in her way. When cancer reared its ugly head, she would say, “Not now, you beast.” And on she went. In her time with My Hope Bag, Robyn headed the Hope Sister program and trained women to venture out into the breast cancer community to serve newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. She grew the program to extend into the West Valley. Robyn sat on My Hope Bag’s Board of Director’s as Board Secretary. She always wanted to take the next step to help others.

Robyn was a friend to everyone she met and had such a heart and spirit for others.