Our Foundation

The foundation

Gabriella's Smile Foundation was CREATED on March 30, 2016, in honor of our beautiful, six year-old daughter, Gabriella Elise. Gabriella so very courageously and bravely fought DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), an inoperable brain stem tumor, for almost eight months. She smiled every single day, never once complaining about the difficulty and pain brought by her condition.  

Gabriella's Smile Foundations is spearheaded by the parents of Gabriella Elise. The foundation is a deeply personal endeavor, born from the significant support the family received during Gabriella’s battle with cancer, and the desire to pass on that support to other families facing pediatric cancer. The mission of the foundation is multifaceted, aiming to provide resources to families, fund crucial research, and increase awareness about DIPG and pediatric cancer more broadly.

A pivotal aspect of the foundation's work is the Children’s Cancer Support Center, which was realized to directly support families navigating the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis. This center offers comprehensive support through cancer and bereavement parent groups, educational workshops, health and wellness programs, and social activities designed to bolster the entire family's well-being. The foundation operates on the principle that the journey through cancer is not one to be walked alone and that community support can fortify families beyond measure. The driving force behind the foundation's impactful work is Gabriella's parents, who, through their personal loss, have created a legacy of support, strength, and hope for families dealing with pediatric cancer

Our reach extends not only to families of children with pediatric cancer here in San Antonio, Texas, but also to families affected by DIPG across the United States. It is often said that no one fights cancer alone, and we wholeheartedly believe that families are stronger when working together in this fight. We believe it is this support that helps make us— and all families— STRONGER than DIPG, and STRONGER than any cancer. 

The foundation was established through CharitySmith in 2016, through a memorial fund.  As of March, 2018, Gabriella's Smile Foundation has been officially approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation (EIN 82-4804148) in accordance with federal tax law. Donations made to our foundation are tax deductible. 

Monetary donations and gift cards are always welcome and can be mailed to our address below. We operate solely on the donations from our supporters.

If you prefer to donate via check,  please make the check out to: 

Gabriella’s Smile Foundation 

477 Spencer Lane

San Antonio, Texas 78201

Our Purpose

#ForGabriella

A message from Gabriella's daddy, at our Kick-Off Celebration in June, 2016.