Grieving Mother Transforms Tragedy Into Charity

Suffering through the unexpected loss of a child is probably the most painful experience a parent could ever endure. 

For Jennifer Tresh, the heartache she experienced following the death of her 5-year-old daughter, Elena, from brain cancer 14 years ago pushed her to the brink, leading to a lengthy battle with depression and substance abuse.

But after hitting rock bottom and nearly taking her own life in 2004, Tresh underwent a transformation; in 2007 she formed the Elena Tresh Foundation as a way to stop living in the past and start making a difference in the future. 

“When I got sober eight years ago, I decided I wanted to help people," Tresh said from her Main Street office in Safety Harbor.

"We started the foundation ... because we wanted to do things other places don’t do for kids who are terminally and chronically ill.” 

In addition to proving counseling, transportation, and second opinions for families in need, the foundation has built handicap ramps, bought scooters and even paid one family's rent.

“We also provide counseling for siblings," she said. "It’s so stressful on them, with parents concentrating on the sick child. They often get overlooked.”

Granting Wishes

While the foundation distributes its charitable contributions all year long, Tresh always wanted to do something around the holidays that would honor her daughter’s memory while bringing joy to the families of Safety Harbor.

They get referrals from places like All Children's Hospital to fill wish lists for kids around Christmas. 

And that desire to make the holidays special for the kids was the genesis behind Snow Fest, an outdoor event that was first held at Safety Harbor City Park in 2008.

“Elena always wanted to see snow, and when she got sick, she really wanted to ride in a sleigh,” Tresh said.

“She couldn’t do it because of her health, and we couldn’t afford to do it, but I thought this would be a good way to honor her wish.”

The event, which features games, activities, vendors and real snow made from shaved ice, has been a success in the past, drawing roughly 1,500 people in its second year. 

This year Tresh says the festival will be bigger than ever, with carnival games, bungee jumpers and prizes.

"Christmas is our biggest time, because it can be one of the most difficult times for the families of sick children," Tresh said. "Even shopping is difficult."

"Snow Fest is all about raising awareness for the foundation and having fun."

Always Fighting 

Even after all the good things her foundation has done over the years, and everything she has overcome in the aftermath of Elena’s death, problems continue to plague Tresh to this day.

The latest setback she has had to endure comes in the form of what she classifies as cyber bullying.

“A former volunteer tried to extort us, and she continues to attack us online,” she said from her Main Street office. “We’ve had a lot to overcome the last few years.”

She insists she has done nothing wrong, stating that not only does she not make money from the charity, she has poured an enormous amount of her own savings into the foundation.

Tresh says the negative coverage has affected the foundation; they have lost several key sponsors, and she has had to engage in numerous legal battles to undo the damage caused by the ex-employee.

But she is thankful to those who have stuck by her and continue to support the foundation.

"We continue to overcome it, and we continue on.”

Future Looks Bright for Foundation

Even with the recent setbacks, Tresh is pressing forward with a project that could change the image of the foundation forever.

“We’ve recently secured a lot on 10^th Avenue and Main Street where we’ll be building Elena’s Place,” Tresh said of a new center dedicated to providing a safe haven for ill children and their families.

“It’ll be a place where stricken kids and their families can come and not feel different.”

While the center is still in the planning phases, Tresh believes that what she is doing through her foundation is changing people’s lives – including her own.

"We built an elevator in a kid's house, and we changed his lfe forever," she said.

"It's just so meaningful. And nothing anyone says about us can take that away."

To help the Elena Tresh Foundation, or to find out more about Snow Fest and other events they are involved with, visit the charity's webiste, elenatresh.org, or call 727-210-1019.