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Gabriella’s Smile Foundation

Children’s Cancer Support Center

Gabriella's Smile exists to improve the lives of children battling cancer and their families. Our MISSION is to help families, fund research, and raise awareness for DIPG and pediatric cancer. 

We believe that no family should fight cancer alone and that all families should have the support and necessary resources to face the challenging diagnosis of childhood cancer. 

In April 2022 we opened  the Children’s Cancer Support Center to address this problem directly by providing special programming that offers cancer parent groups, bereavement parent groups, educational workshops, health and wellness support, resources and referrals as well as social activities for families. 

 
 
 

 

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Our Impact

Gabriella’s Smile Foundation has impacted over 6,100 children and their families since 2016 through our hospital and community support. In 2022, we launched the Children’s Cancer Support Center where families receive support, resources and family care. Each month we welcome dozens of families that visit and are provided with financial assistance, resources along with other needs they may have. With 15.4% of San Antonio area residents living below the poverty line, never has there been a greater sense of urgency to provide these critical services to pediatric cancer families. In our case, the incredible support from our family, local community, church, and other DIPG families helped us through the difficult journey. Now we provide that support for others

 

47

Children diagnosed everyday

Each day, 47 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States, which means 15,590 children in the U.S. are diagnosed each year.

 

95%

Families affected financially

The average cost for childhood cancer is an astounding $833,000 and over 95% of families say their child’s cancer caused a financial burden on their family.

 
 

9 months

DIPG median survival time

Brain tumors remain the most common cause of cancer-related death in children, and DIPG is the leading cause of death from pediatric brain tumors. The median survival time is 9 months from diagnosis.

 
 
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Our Mission

Our MISSION is to help families, fund research, and raise awareness for DIPG and pediatric cancer. Gabriella’s Smile Foundation provides families with the necessary resources during the most critical times. No family should fight cancer alone. We are STRONGER than cancer, and we are STRONGER together.

Learn More

 
 

Our Programs

Gabriella’s Smile Foundation rallies our community around a common cause - improving the lives of those affected by cancer.

As of March 2018, Gabriella’s Smile Foundation has been officially approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation. The support of our community helps us make a difference in the lives of families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

 

Children’s Cancer Support Center

We know that it takes a community to overcome the challenges that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis. For families that are feeling alone or isolated due to their child’s diagnosis, we believe that  they will  find the support they need when they come to the Children’s Cancer Support Center. 

The Children’s Cancer Support Center provides resources and support for families that have a child diagnosed with cancer by taking a holistic approach to help in all areas including mental and social factors affecting the entire family. These services are provided for FREE and at no cost to families of children diagnosed with cancer. Read more here

Events and Spreading Awareness

Looking for a way to get involved? Volunteer for an event with Gabriella’s Smile Foundation. Share about our mission with your friends online. Talk to your employer about donating to our cause.

Donations to DIPG research

Through Gabriella’s 5K cupcake run we have raised money for pediatric brain cancer families and research. Finding a cure for DIPG can give other families more time with their children, answers for their future,  and hope for a cure. DIPG has no treatment or cure at this time.

Gabriella’s Gifts

Gabriella's Gifts is a part of Gabriella's Smile Foundation focus on providing children with cancer and their families in San Antonio area hospitals an opportunity to experience joy and smiles in the midst of their difficult journey. We are committed to providing support to families in San Antonio that are in the hospital.

 
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“

April 2016

"The burden of cancer is immense on a family and we want to lighten that burden."

FOX San Antonio / Read Full Article

 

 
 

Get Involved

You can help children with pediatric cancer by getting involved. Give your time, talents, or help us fundraise.

 

Become a board member

When our family faced DIPG we found that resources were limited. That’s why raising awareness for DIPG and pediatric cancer starts with our community and goes beyond. Learn more about becoming a Board Member.

Make a Donation

Every dollar donated to Gabriella’s Smile goes directly back to families facing pediatric cancer and giving support to our mission.

Volunteer opportunities

It takes a community to make a difference. Your help can change the lives of families affected by pediatric cancer. Volunteers make it possible for us to fulfill our mission.