Growing up with Courtney and her 3 sisters, they had a tiny closet in the basement of their childhood home that was filled with all of the dress up clothing, accessories and props you would need to time travel or have an extravagant wedding in the ballroom of a castle. There were Columbia River apparel, grooving back to the 70’s attire, 80’s rock concert wear, ball gowns of every color, heels and accessories galore. It was every little girl’s dream…even through middle school spirit days and high school dances.

Courtney played competitive softball, soccer and volleyball. In high school she got involved in Cheerleading and earned the title of head Captain and became the ASB President at her Columbia River High School. Softball took her the farthest and in college she coached and was captain of a traveling club softball team. She devoted her time to earning a degree from Washington State University. Her dream to support students with disabilities became a reality when she received her Masters in Special Education from Portland State University. She been serving and empowering each and everyone of her students, regardless of their differing abilities since.

In 2012, Courtney married Garrett, the man of her dreams. Together they are raising their three absolutely beautiful children.

In early April 2022, Courtney was at a routine doctor’s appointment and her doctor found a lump in her breast that made her uneasy. With a family history of breast cancer, she put in a referral to have it checked, it was likely to be a cyst but wanted her checked out. An ultrasound revealed several areas of concern and a biopsy was immediately scheduled. A month went by and May 9 2022, Courtney received the news: she did not have cysts. Instead, she was diagnosed with Stage 3, Triple Positive, Metastatic Breast Cancer. Because of the aggressive nature of her specific cancer, her doctors have put together an aggressive treatment plan that will begin immediately. Courtney faces 18 weeks of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, followed by more chemotherapy with radiation simultaneously and the final step will be reconstructive surgery.

Garrett (a firefighter), recently switched departments, and completed a 3 month fire academy training in North Bend when the mass was found. His new position with the Kennewick Fire Department means taking a pay cut, losing seniority and accrued benefits BUT he is now working closer to home. With Courtney unable to work for the foreseeable future and the cost of cancer treatments even with health insurance things can get extremely expensive. 

Even in this current time of need all she has humbly asked for are your prayers. However, I convinced her and her family to grant me permission to set up this page. Even with health insurance, cancer treatments can quickly get expensive. Along with treatments, the items needed for recovery are also costly. Bras and clothing to support drains, wedge pillows for only sleeping on her back, wigs for after her hair falls out, fuel for commuting back and forth for treatments and surgeries in other states.

Courtney has a strong community of love surrounding her, Garrett, and their 3 children. She will not be fighting alone. All donated funds will go directly to the Riley family to support their financial needs during this time.

Lastly, please join the team of prayer warriors asking for peace, healing, and provision for the family.