If everyone has a story to tell, then Elena Mitrano (formerly Hilary Foretich) is weaving one never-ending golden tapestry of life. Born into an upper-middle class family to a single Mom who was a plastic surgeon, Elena was expected to become a professional following in these footsteps but since the age of three, Elena was out to be a pop star – thanks in part to the inspiration of chart-topping hits created by legendary artists such as Madonna, Cher and the rock rebel rousers, Def Leppard. While these early influences endowed her with an unbridled urge to boldly dance, sing and enjoy life, the young Elena was secretly silenced and shoved into a dark den of pain.

She was once the victim of molestation – a horrific plight. Her Mom’s fight to protect Elena brought the young girl into an international media spotlight that had no glitz or glamour. Accounts of her real-life dramatic journey from danger to safety led to her guest appearances on NBC’s The Today Show and made her childhood the focus of print articles that appeared in People, The Washington Post and National Enquirer. In fact, Elena’s tale dominated news headlines for much of the ‘80s and ‘90s in such films as ABC/Disney TV’s The Elizabeth Morgan Story directed by Linda Otto, as well as the BBC’s two awe-inspiring biographical documentaries, Hilary in Hiding and Elena in Exile – both directed by Stephen Lambert.

To protect Elena, her grandparents whisked Elena away and hid her abroad, so she could begin life anew in New Zealand; little Elena turned to athletics to help in releasing her pent-up anger, disappointment and tears. Turning challenges into stepping stones soon paid off. Elena found herself nationally ranked as a champion figure skater. She also studied theater at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England. However the youngster’s confusing inner conflict led inevitably to teen rebellion…she turned first to experimenting with drugs, a panacea. But by age 15, she was already on the way to mastering her inner turmoil, heading for a better life, a life of feeling, friendship and fun.

So her melancholic melody added a new tune of joyful light and lively life…

Elena chose to thrive. “I went from having a will to survive to possessing a will to live,” she says. And as she puts it, “I always wanted to be the person who tells people, ‘If I can survive (it), I know you can.’” So when the determined teen moved back to the U.S.A., she set out to discover the true meaning of freedom and hope. Elena first took up writing and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. She aspired to be a war correspondent like her renowned cousin, BBC journalist Martin Bell. As a fearless reporter, Elena traveled to the Middle East alone. She met allied and enemies at military check-points, took video footage of hospitals and attended three-hour war resolution meetings with esteemed political leaders.

But in the quiet times when Elena listened to artists such as Sarah McLaughlin and Jewel, Elena remembered “a part of me that was still hurting.”

Now at 24, Elena is an energetic singer and songwriter on a mission to share her life of past tragedy, incredible adventure and her sunny future through melodic journeys. She says her past childhood has enabled her to have an unbelievable affinity with others’ pain. “When someone says that they are hurting,” she explains, I get it,” adding “When you know what it is to be stuck in a really dark world, you just love the fact that you can wake up every morning and be around people that you really love.”

Her debut album, “Rescue Me”, currently set for a May 2008 release, features a spicy mix of dance and mid-tempo tracks reminiscent of hits created by her pop and urban inspirations. Many of Elena’s tunes explore thoughts common to all hip, 20-ish folks – from wanting love to becoming responsible citizens to plenty of partying. That’s right. Elena’s back to her early roots of party-inspired dance grooves.

The lead single, “Voiceless”, offers a soft, mid-tempo “prayer” for the voiceless – a tribute to those whose yearning and will to overcome obstacles Elena knows so well. Elena says, “The song is about the homeless and others who society has dehumanized and not allowed to be considered equal.” Elena’s voice is smooth, almost haunting, as she makes a heartfelt appeal for the “Voiceless.”

“Rescue Me” is an up-tempo tune that’s just right for urban dance clubs. Elena sings, “You lit the fire inside of me and only your love can rescue me.” With its funk-filled track that celebrates young love, look for this song to chart big. “Obsessed” is another love call from Elena to the man of her dreams. As she puts it, “I’m singing the age-old problem of girls loving bad boys!” Throughout the CD, you’ll find a manageable mix of tunes that cover today’s contemporary issues – she’s hip, fresh pop with heart for the for the 21st Century!