A mothers tears lead to inspiration on how to help remember her son, a slain Tampa police officer

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - When you sit in Sandy Kocab's home, you can't help but notice her eldest child, Jeff, all around her.

A memorial is proudly displayed. Photos fill the walls. Then there is the necklace she never takes off which bears a picture of Jeff when he was five.

There is also the permanent reminder now tattooed on her wrist.

"It's his badge number, his name and a heart. It's on my wrist so I can hold it close to my heart," Sandy said.

Even though it has been nearly a year, every time she thinks of Jeff, a Tampa police officer who was shot and killed during a traffic stop, she can’t hold back the tears.

"I'm sorry," Sandy told me as she sobbed. "I just miss him so much."

Time has not helped heal her wounds. But her tears of grief lead her to a new purpose -- a non profit foundation, appropriately named T.E.A.R.S (Travel Expenses and Reservations for Survivors).

"People will ask me what I want. The foundation is a job that I will do. What I want no one can give me. I would like to have my son back. I know that is not reality," Sandy said.

While she mourned the loss of her son, she realized much of the focus is put on the widows -- like Jeff's wife Sarah,

"My heart bleeds for her. I know what we go through and I know the pain she has gone through. I pray for her every day," she said.

And while she understands her pain, she had hoped the same resources would be available for parents and siblings. She says that wasn't the case all the time. So she's making it her cause.

"He was there to protect and serve and I think the foundation will serve others," Sandy explained.

She has already organized her first fundraiser, a golf tournament, on May 30th. News of the tournament spread quickly in her community, leading pro golfer Arnold Palmer to donate an autographed picture. The Orlando Magic also sent over a signed basketball

Thanks to her T.E.A.R.S foundation, there are moments where Sandy can smile.

Two-years-ago, Sandy actually moved here from Arizona just to be closer to her son. When he died, many asked if she would move back.

But now she knows she needs to stay for T.E.A.R.S. She even hopes it will eventually go nationwide.

"I think Jeff would be happy…I know he would be." Sandy said this time with a smile. "I have a mission here I can feel it I know there is a mission and God has a plan for us."

Fore more information on T.E.A.R.S just head to tearsfoundation.com .