Our dear friend and My Hope Bag board member, Alissa Serignese, passed away in January 2022, after a recurrence of breast cancer. 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. At the time, we were inquiring about a Treasurer for our board. Alissa said, “Sure, I’d love to be your Treasurer!” We later learned that when she shared that with her fellow employees at ASU, they laughed and said, “YOU???” I said, “Why didn’t you tell me you don’t like numbers?” She said she wanted to be where we needed her. Anytime we had a need, Alissa was right there.
Alissa signed up right away to participate in My Hope Bag’s Hope Sister program. She visited newly diagnosed breast cancer warriors and spread joy to them while delivering one of the bags filled with comfort items. Alissa could relate to what these women were going through. She made them feel loved and cared about. She participated in the Adopt-a-Family program at Christmas 2020. Donned with her mask, she delivered presents to recipients in the program. 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.
At My Hope Bag’s annual golf tournament in 2020, Alissa golfed and had a wonderful time. In 2021, after golfing and coming back to the banquet hall, she let everyone know of her love for ASU and waved the ASU fork sign around the room! Anytime I would see her posted on Facebook, she most likely was at an ASU event or pictured with her family. I only knew Alissa a year and a half, but during that time I got to know a beautiful, spirited, heartfelt woman who will be missed by all who knew her.
In honor of Alissa, The Sun Devil Women’s Basketball team dedicated the PINK game in her memory. ASU Alumni Association created a custom-designed t-shirt to wear to the game.