New Foundation Plans Fundraiser for Trinca Family

October 8 will mark one year since Manorville mother Keri Trinca, and her little boy, Jason, 7, that brought a heartbroken community together in grief.

Also hurt in the crash were Trinca's other two children, Marialena, then four, and Christopher, 2.

Through their tears, neighbors, friends and strangers an army of angels to care for Trinca's husband, Jay, and his children, so that the devoted father could remain by their bedsides as they recovered.

The months since have been both dark and imbued with a light of hope; Marialena in February.

But the Trinca family still needs support. To that end, the new Nesconset-based Butterflies of Hope Foundation is organizing a benefit, "The Keri & Jason Trinca Memorial Event," to be held on November 15 at Giorgio's in Baiting Hollow and will "celebrate two lives, gone too soon."

According to the Butterflies of Hope website, Jay Trinca, after he learned of the devastating loss of his wife and son -- who had been on his way to join him at that morning, where Jason was a go-kart champ -- was told to "prepare for the worst" regarding Marialena, who had suffered brain trauma and life-threatening internal injuries.

Christopher, who also sustained injuries including a skull fracture, was a shining light of hope when he was released from the hospital a week later.

Scores of supporters prayed fiercely for months for Marialena, whom family and friends call "Freshie," and who, the website says, underwent numerous operations to repair brain injuries, and to alleviate swelling in her brain. 

Although Marialena is home, the road ahead is long. "Marialena has been deemed 'permanently disabled,'" a statement on the Butterflies of Hope website reads; she continues to receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy daily and cannot walk steadily without leg braces; she also has nerve damage in her foot.

The benefit has been organized so that Jay, who has been unable to work since the accident and has been devoting all of his time to his injured children, can continue to remain by their sides.

"The Butterflies of Hope Foundation is proud and honored to be given the opportunity to help Jay Trinca and his family," the website reads. "Please join us in showing this family compassion and support in their time of need."

The Butterflies of Hope Foundation was founded to help families struck with a tragic loss after an accident -- and to help them cope with financial, emotional and personal challenges. 

Tickets for the benefit cost $70 per person; $55 for children under 10. The event will feature dinner, entertainment, and a Chinese auction.

Checks can be made payable to "Butterflies of Hope Foundation" and mailed to 17 Park Circle, Nesconset, NY, 11767. 

Donations for the Chinese auctions, including gift certificats and baskets, are also appreciated.

For more information go to http://www.butterfliesofhopefoundation.org/ and to https://www.facebook.com/ButterfliesOfHopeFoundationInc.