About
HARDSHIP HEROES FOUNDER
From my personal childhood loss, to crippling mental health struggles at a young age, I've lived the more challenging journey. I became a teen mom to my son Kyler in 2004. As a single parent, I navigated my own mental health struggles and worked tirelessly advocating for my son with autism. The struggle to provide him with the support he has always needed and deserved has never come without a fight. In 2011 I found love with my incredibly supportive husband Josh, and became a stepmother to his son Connor! Our life changed in 2015 when we welcomed our daughter, Lennon, whose unexpected medical conditions added new layers of complexity to our family. Amidst her newborn diagnoses of cystic fibrosis, congenital hypothyroidism our lives became a whirlwind of doctor's appointments with added stress of her failure to thrive. As Lennon grew we became aware of new potential medical conditions such as congenital scoliosis. Genetic testing was done to rule out any further conditions. We added ectodermal dysplasia to the list! Despite these hurdles, I found solace in sharing my story with others enduring hardships. I strive to bring hope and happiness to those enduring any hardship. I founded Hardship Heroes to spread positivity, support and memories through small acts of kindness. Let's share our stories, inspire and impact!
Peace & Love
Emily
Meet the Team
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND HARDSHIP HEROES
President
EMILY ENDERES
Hello again! I'm Emily the founder of Hardship Heroes. As you have read above I have faced numerous personal challenges, from childhood loss and early mental health struggles to becoming a young mother and advocating for my son with autism. After finding love and building a blended family with my husband Josh, our life took a new turn with the birth of our daughter Lennon, who has faced multiple medical conditions. These experiences inspired me to create Hardship Heroes, where I dedicates myself to spreading hope, support, and positive memories to families facing their own hardships.
Vice President
JOSHUA KOCH
Hi! I'm Joshua Koch, a native of NEPA and have been married to Emily since 2012. I'm a financial advisor with Thrivent Financial and I can help plan and manage your finances .
I tend to have my hands in many different extracurricular activities. I am a musician and play golf when I have the time. As the Vice President of Hardship Heroes, I help with risk management and planning. You can usually find me running around, transporting something and or everything at our events!
Secretary
KELLY GILLOW
Hey there! I'm Kelly Jean Gillow, an entrepreneurial expert, a results mentor and someone who is truly focused on converting thinking into results. I have an extensive background in Leadership, Business and Teaching adults & children of all ages for over 20 years in the fields of Art & Science. I am also a consultant with the Proctor Gallagher Institute and facilitator of their premier program "Thinking into Results". In 2020, I decided it was time to combine all of my passions into one strong business model. That model is Universal Foundations, an educational company focusing on the growth and development of human potential within people of all ages. I am also a published author and public speaker and a world-recognized contemporary American painter.
Board Member at Large
ASHLEY CLAYTON
Hi! Im Ashley a mom to 2 wild and wonderful kids who keep me equal parts grounded & unhinged. Most days I’m running on caffeine and chaos, bouncing between dirt bike rides & dance classes.
Photography was never part of some grand master plan. I didn’t grow up dreaming about it or imagining it would become my life’s work, & yet, here I am, doing something that feels deeply aligned, meaningful, & surprisingly grounding. I don’t take that lightly. I’m endlessly grateful this path found me.
Life hasn’t always been gentle with me. I’ve walked through my own trials... healing, physically, mentally, spiritually.. & I truly believe that perspective shapes the way I see people. life & love. It truly shapes the way I photograph them. I value comfort, trust, & presence. I'm passionately honored to be apart of Hardship Heroes!
Board Member at Large
LARRY ENDERES
After a long career in the Supermarket business and then in Sales at Procter and Gamble I retired in 2018.
As a grandfather of 8, I found myself inspired by our youngest, Lennon, and the daily struggles she had with chronic illnesses. You never know what someone may be going through until you are in it, or witness it.
Lennon has always been my hero!
I am thrilled that Emily started Hardship Heroes in response to her own daily grind as a caregiver, and proud to be a part of such a wonderful group of volunteers. You may see me at multiple events, and maybe a surprise visit at the Christmas party. If so, stop by and say hello. Please share the message of Hardship Heroes to your friends and family. Best wishes to all!
Junior Volunteer
LENNON ENDERES-KOCH
My name is Lennon and I have a passion for dance and a love for all things in the arts. As the inspiration behind Hardship Heroes and a dedicated junior volunteer, I will continue to support the organization and the heroes!
Turning Unimaginable Hardships into Hope!
Lennon's Story - Updated 2025
In 2022, we recorded a heartfelt video of Lennon bravely sharing her journey, her medical conditions, challenges, and the strength it takes to navigate life with them. Now, in 2025, we’ve updated that video to reflect where she is today. Still strong, still shining, and still inspiring us every step of the way.
Lennon's Story 2022
In 2022, we sat down with Lennon to capture her story through her own words. At just 5 years old, she opened up about her conditions, what daily life looks like, and the challenges she faces. This video helped so many people understand her world a little better, and marked a powerful moment of awareness and advocacy.