ABOUT US
May 4, 2021, was supposed to be just another Tuesday for TV journalist Tess Rowland. But on her way to work in Panama City Beach, her life changed dramatically when she was hit head-on by a wrong-way drunk driver. What followed were seven surgeries and a challenging recovery from severe, life-altering injuries.
Determined to transform her pain into purpose, Tess has shared her story with local and national media, raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. She has also testified to advocate for stronger laws to support victims and survivors of this crime.
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Our organization is named after Tess, and represents her journey: Trauma to Empowerment
Supporting Survivors.
On our site, you'll notice the frequent presence of butterflies. For Tess, butterflies are more than just a beautiful creature; they are a powerful symbol of metamorphosis. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, Tess sees her journey as one of profound change and growth. The butterfly symbolizes the hope and possibility that even after facing unimaginable challenges, we can emerge from our struggles transformed.
Tess believes that, like butterflies, we all have the potential to evolve into something beautiful, despite the difficulties we face. While she acknowledges that a full recovery from such traumatic experiences may not be possible, Tess wants to inspire other victims to conquer their trauma and lead their best lives.
