Programs and Services

Hospital/ Treatment Support

Gabriella's Gifts is a part of Gabriella's Smile Foundation’s 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.

Gabriella received gifts all the time. During radiation, as she struggled to get through the 33 days of her treatment, our friends collected something special for her to open every day. She had enough gifts to open one daily after she came home from her treatment. She also received packages every week with toys and gifts that brought a much needed smile to her face. While in the hospital, she received presents nearly every day. Gabriella would often pick out treats from her big stash and donate them to the prize room in the hospital.

We are committed to providing support to families in San Antonio that are in the hospital. Whether it is backpacks for their children at the beginning of the school year, a warm meal, a gift card for coffee, a gas card or a gift on special holidays, this is a need that we want to fill.

Operation Back to School is targeted on fulfilling educational needs for these children as a part of the Gabriella’s Gifts program.

Since 2016, we have served over 1,300 children with backpacks and delivered them to oncology clinics in local children's hospitals. The backpacks are gifted to these brave cancer warriors and their siblings annually before the start of each school year. We host a drive during the month in July.

Battle Packs

Created in honor of Reagan Lee by family and supporters, this program is for children diagnosed with cancer at local San Antonio hospitals and is an extension of our Gabriella’s Gifts program. Through their own experience, the Lee family learned of not only the financial stress this can put on a family but the blow to spirits this can have. The goal with these battle packs is to honor Reagan by bringing a smile to their faces but also easing some of the stress of a new diagnosis by providing some of the initial essentials that are needed. For more information, visit their website here. You can also visit their Facebook Page here and contact the program director, Rebecca Lee.

Children’s Cancer Support Center

We understand the financial impact that cancer has on a family. Many families also travel to San Antonio from other cities in Texas and we want to let them know we are here for them. Our Children’s Cancer Support Center was opened to provide our cancer families with the care, resources and support they need during their child’s cancer treatment.

Take a moment to complete our family application and choose Children’s Cancer Support Center in the “Which program are you applying to?” field. Once the application is submitted, your healthcare provider must complete the healthcare provider form via email to grants@strongerthandipg.org or via fax to 210-670-6201.

Completing the form will connect you to a family support specialist who will provide you with resources and information for programs you qualify for through our center. Submission of an application is not a guarantee of receiving financial assistance. Funds are limited and based on availability. Once your application is processed, we will notify you via email and with a phone call.

Other Programs

Day in the Park

This program is generously sponsored by Community First Health Plans and gives families the opportunity to enjoy a day in the park with their family. Families are given the opportunity to choose one of several local attractions to visit on their preferred day. Program funds are limited and made available on a first come, first serve basis. Families can apply here.

Lodging Assistance

In 2020, we launched our lodging assistance program. We can provide 1-3 nights of lodging in the medical center area at a local hotel. Families must live 40 miles or further from zip code 78229 to qualify.

To apply for lodging assistance from Gabriella’s Smile, please complete the following application and choose lodging assistance in the “Which program are you applying to?” field. Once the application is submitted, your healthcare provider must complete the healthcare provider form via email to grants@strongerthandipg.org or via fax to 210-670-6201. We will make every effort to provide urgent assistance, but we do ask that all requests are made at least 48 hours in advance.

We want to thank our Grant Partners H-E-B Tournament of Champions and Community First Health Plans for their support and sponsorship.

DIPG Grants (program on hold)

Financial Assistance Grants are available to families who have a child diagnosed with DIPG in the United States and local families who have a child diagnosed with Brain Cancer and receiving treatment in San Antonio. These are financial grants that you are free to at your discretion for medical expenses, travel expenses, treatments, bills, and other living expenses as you see fit. You may also use it to treat your child to a special day or occasion during their time of need. Our goal is to bring a smile and some relief to your family while under such difficult circumstances. For more information and grant eligibility, visit our website here.