Patricia Riffenburgh

Ventura, California

NCCS is deeply saddened to report that Patricia Riffenburgh passed away March 31, 2024. Tricia was a passionate advocate and had resounding resolve to serve others in her home of Ventura, CA. She wanted her fellow cancer survivors in her town to receive the types of survivorship supportive services that she had received in other hospital systems in CA. Tricia personally made a lasting impression on all of us at NCCS and we will miss her greatly. We will honor her legacy and continue to advocate and support the work that she started. Read Tricia’s Obituary »

In 2019, Tricia, a successful consultant and mother, faced a life-altering challenge. What she thought was a painful headache led her to urgent care, where CT scans revealed multiple lesions in her brain and lung, and after a biopsy, Tricia was diagnosed with Stage IV, aggressive metastasized melanoma throughout her body, predominantly in her brain. Tricia was shocked. At 52 she was vibrant and healthy. The doctors’ words advising her to put her affairs in order were terrifying, but within the fear, Tricia found an unwavering determination to survive.

Tricia assembled a health care team and embarked on aggressive treatments including targeted radiation, intense immunotherapy, multiple craniotomies, and other interventions. While knowing the potential of immunotherapies, Tricia knew she could do more, embracing mindfulness, nutrition, and holistic therapies. Most importantly she cultivated a positive mindset steadfastly believing in the capacity of her body to heal.

Cancer, she learned, doesn’t only affect the body but every aspect of one’s life and the lives of those around them. While hesitant to accept, Tricia needed the support of others when she was unable to care for herself, discovering the strength in accepting assistance. She could no longer sustain her high-paced independent contractor work, and as a single mother, she grappled with the challenge of “paying for cancer” and life’s expenses.

In June 2023, Tricia experienced a transformative moment as her third consecutive scan showed no evidence of disease, ending active treatment. Reinvigorated, she now works utilizing her skills to benefit cancer-related organizations. She is acquiring certification as a health and life coach to mentor and advocate for others.

Tricia is collaborating with NCCS as an ambassador, aiming to establish a comprehensive survivorship program in her community. Additionally, she serves as a mentor at AIM at Melanoma and was 2023’s honoree at AIM’s annual walk in Los Angeles.