Hello, I need help. I am unemployed and recently lost my wife, Tricia Riley, to breast cancer. I humbly, kindly and graciously ask for your assistance to help defray the incredible costs of Tricia's treatments. Please read Tricia's story and decide if you would like to help with a prayer, a positive thought, or a small donation.

I am Tricia's husband, James. I became unemployed after a long career of 30 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. I retired soon after she was diagnosed. I will receive no retirement benefits for over 8 more years. This is why I am humbly asking for your help.

We are in desperate need of help for the medical bills we have incurred over the course of her treatment. Even if you cannot donate, please share Tricia's story. Breast cancer can affect anyone, at any age...and it can be devastating. It certainly was to us.

The world recently lost a beautiful, loving wife, sister, aunt and friend to many. Tricia Riley, 41, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2010. Tricia bravely underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and several other cancer-fighting therapies. Unfortunately, Tricia's cancer metastacized into her bones within 18 months. The diagnosis came in March, 2013 and rapidly spread to her hips, spine, ribs and skull. Her medical treatments were extensive, painful, costly and ultimately, ineffecive.

Tricia was admitted to hospice on November 5th, 2013. She took her final breath while I held her in my arms on the morning of Nov 14th, 2013 and surrendered her life to God's will. I will be forever grateful to all the staff and volunteers at Pikes Peak Hospice for the loving care and attention they provided for Tricia during her final days.

Never a complainer, Tricia always kept a positive disposition and was determined not to let cancer get the best of her. Unfortunately, cancer took Tricia away from us while fighting from the beginning of her diagnosis throughout to the very end. Her passing was peaceful and pain-free (Thank you Pikes Peak Hospice)

Tricia was born in Alexandria, Scotland, a place she had visited several times during her tenure as a flight attendant. She loved all things Scottish--the people, the sights, the food (except haggis, perhaps!), the ales, and the history of her homeland.

Everyone dies, but not everyone lives. And Tricia certainly lived!! She surely lived her life to the fullest. From driving a cab in New Jersey to traveling the world a flight attendant and later, an El Paso County deputy sheriff, to learning to drive an 18 wheeler truck, she wasn't the typical girl next door. She was full of a sense of adventure and had a tough exterior- she was not a person you would necessarily put on speaker during a phone conversation. But her friends and coworkers knew they could count on her in any situation. As a Sheriff's Deputy, she was very well respected by her peers. They always knew they could count on her to defend them, even with her life on the line, if necessary. Tricia was strong and beautiful. Both tough and loving, Tricia had a warm heart that would melt you down like ice cream in the hot summer sun. She absolutely loved animals and was especially a sucker for cute puppies. We had our first date in Paris, France, and returned several times and continued our travel adventures! Although Tricia passed away at 41, she managed to pack at least 10 extra years of fun, adventure and living into her short life.

She is survived by myself, (her husband James) and several siblings and relatives in Scotland and New Jersey. 

A beautiful and moving memorial service was held with full Sheriff's Deputy honors Sunday, Nov. 24 at Open Bible Baptist Church, where many friends, Sheriff's Deputies and family members spoke of her strong, humorous, infectious character and great times they had with her. Afterward, family and friends gathered to honor Tricia's life, character and passing at Jack Quinn's Pub in Colorado Springs.

Per her wishes, Tricia was cremated. I made a promise to her that I would bring her home to scatter her ashes in her homeland of Scotland in the Spring of 2014.

Prayers are not only for the living, I pray for her each day and talk to her as well. I know she hears me and it gives me comfort. I am grateful for any prayers or donations that our friends, family or even strangers wish to give to Tricia. Every bit helps.

The photo I have shared is that of me kissing my beloved wife goodnight on the evening before she passed away.

With humility and love, I thank you so very kindly for your thoughts, prayers and consideration.

God Bless all...