Tressa is a kind, loyal, FUNNY, hard-working, resourceful, and brave woman. She is beloved by her family and friends, many of which she maintains close relationships with despite being long distance. She is essential to the daily functions of one of the largest urban Living Buildings as the Office Manager at PAE Engineers and is an integral part of the Killer Queen communities of Seattle (as a founding member and former community organizer) and Portland (as a private cab host and event organizer). She enjoys pinball, being a dog mom to Apollo, and spending time with her people.

In mid-October 2025, Tressa was diagnosed with breast cancer—specifically, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. At the time of this post (11/20/2025), she is still awaiting further imaging and testing to determine her staging. To combat this diagnosis, her care team at OHSU will recommend a treatment plan that will likely include chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation with the goal of getting her cancer into a state of remission.

While she has the support of her husband, Gabriel, and her community (in Portland and beyond), there will still be many difficult choices for Tressa to make regarding her health and her work-life balance, as she will undoubtedly need to take time away from her primarily in-person role to focus on her health.

Paid sick leave in Oregon covers 12 weeks per 12 month cycle. While Tressa can use this as needed to cover doctor appointments and treatments, the tough reality is 12 weeks of paid leave will not be enough to cover essential appointments nor recommended recovery time, especially if her care team determines her cancer is stage 3 or 4.

There will undoubtedly be many tough days ahead for Tressa as she battles against cancer and it is our intention to make sure there are also opportunities for good days filled with joy and laughter too, wherever possible. This fundraiser is one way we can give back to Tressa to help ease some of the stress that comes with loss of income and the reality of a long road to recovery. Every donation will go directly towards supporting Tressa with medical bills and everyday expenses.

We understand that finances in 2025 can be tough—every act of support, from a kind message to a share of this page, is greatly appreciated and will contribute to Tressa feeling cared for and supported during this challenging time.

Some additional options to support Tressa on her cancer journey are below:

Amazon Wishlist

Mealtrain

Venmo Tressa @TressaPoints or Gabriel @GabrielSosa directly

On behalf of Mel, Lyn, Gabriel, her family, friends, and all those to whom Tressa is precious, thank you for however you are able to offer support.

Lastly, Tressa will be posting updates about her diagnosis and care directly to her CaringBridge page.