Our beloved friend, Tresa, was recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma affecting the floor of her mouth and tongue. Because of the deep love we have for this incredible woman, we are coming together as her village to support her through the fight of her life.
Tresa’s major surgery is scheduled for May 27th of this month, and the days ahead will be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. She is facing an extensive 8+ hour surgery that will include resection of the floor of the mouth, partial glossectomy, bilateral neck dissection, lymph node removal, left radial forearm free flap reconstruction, skin grafting, and possible nerve grafting. Following surgery, she will require both a tracheostomy breathing tube and feeding tube, along with an expected 8–10 day hospital stay and a recovery period of at least 2–3 months. Depending on pathology results, radiation and chemotherapy may also be necessary.
As overwhelming as this journey is, if there is one thing to know about Tresa, it is this: she is a fighter.
Tresa is a juvenile probation officer who has dedicated her life to helping troubled children. She pours her heart, compassion, and strength into the lives of others every single day. She has a smile and spirit that lights up every room she walks into, and anyone who knows her knows just how deeply she loves and cares for the people around her. Now, it is our turn to pour that same love and care back into her.
This is not the first battle she has faced. Years ago, Tresa survived Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a devastating illness that caused complete paralysis and turned her world upside down. While hospitalized and learning how to walk again, she was ordering college textbooks with a straw from her hospital bed on the 11th floor. Through determination and resilience, she regained the use of her body and went on to graduate from UCF with her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
She is tough. She is resilient. She is an overcomer.
But even the strongest people need support, and right now Tresa needs her village more than ever.
During this time, she will be unable to work and will still be facing everyday living expenses including rent, car payments, medical-related costs, and caring for her four beloved rescue kitties. Every donation, prayer, share, and word of encouragement will help lighten the burden so she can focus fully on healing and recovery.
If you are able to give, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing her story and keeping Tresa in your prayers.
Together, we will help carry her through this fight.