La-Trenda Ross is a lifelong Hudson County resident and a dedicated advocate with over 30 years of service in community development, social services, and empowerment initiatives. She currently serves as Senior Community Service Aide with the Hudson County Department of Family Services, where she oversees the Title XX Homemaker Program, providing essential support for elderly and disabled residents. She also leads as Chair of the Hudson County Food & Shelter Coalition (HSAC) and former President of the Hudson County Community College Alumni Association, demonstrating her commitment to building strong, resource-driven networks that improve lives. La-Trenda is also passionate about financial empowerment and helping individuals discover practical, legitimate ways to generate extra income and build stability.

On December 2, 2024, La-Trenda was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer after finding a lump that led to further imaging and tests. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options, and her journey has included chemotherapy and surgery, with ongoing decisions about future care. Throughout this experience, she has relied on her faith, her family, and the strength of her community. As someone who has always been a coach and supporter of others, she now draws on that same resilience to “coach herself through cancer.”

Instead of focusing solely on her own needs, La-Trenda transformed her diagnosis into purpose by creating The R.E.L.L.E. Legacy Foundation, named after her five grandchildren: Razhon, Evee, Lavender, Laylah, and Evan. The foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance, empowerment programs, and community resources to individuals impacted by breast cancer, with a special focus on those who fall through the cracks of traditional aid. Through initiatives like the Bravery & Beyond Financial Assistance Program and the annual Brave & Beyond Pink: Together We Rise event, the foundation awards direct assistance for essential expenses such as utilities, groceries, medical co-pays, and phone bills—helping patients and survivors breathe a little easier.

La-Trenda’s story has been featured by Astera Cancer Care, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), and Canvas Rebel Magazine, highlighting her advocacy, resilience, and passion for turning struggle into service.

A published author of How to Begin a New Life and a contributor to Life as a Single Mom: It Isn’t Easy, or Is It?, La-Trenda also leads Trending Into A New Life, LLC, her coaching and empowerment platform. Her guiding principle, “Let the Trending Begin With You,” reflects her belief that change, healing, and empowerment start within.

• https://www.lbbc.org/blog/breast-cancer-body-image-and-being-heard-my-triple-negative-journey?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=may
• https://asteracancercare.org/patient-stories/coaching-through-cancer
• https://canvasrebel.com/meet-latrenda-ross/