Gabriella, known as Gaby by her family, loved to let her creativity run wild whenever she got her hands on a brush and some paints. She had a sweet tooth for anything chocolate or jellybeans, and her family loved to spend time together. Since they were so close, they tended to be her number one fans when it comes to sports. When Gaby wasn’t battling it out on the volleyball court, she was fighting a very different battle against cancer.

In 2019 Gaby noticed some strange lumps in her lower abdomen. A trip to the doctor’s office gave her some antibiotics, but the lumps remained unchanged. Months later, Gaby’s right leg suddenly became swollen. She was taken to the hospital and had to wait several days before finally receiving a diagnosis: rhabdomyosarcoma. Gaby was told her cancer was high-risk, and although her family was afraid, they had faith that she would get through this.

Gaby underwent weekly chemotherapy appointments followed by a 28-day radiation treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic added to the family’s difficulties when only one of her parents was allowed to be present during hospital visits. Some treatments spanned over several days, and during those times Gaby’s siblings were not allowed to see her at all.

Gaby was able to celebrate her 16th birthday before sadly passing away on January 26, 2023.

Gaby’s family looks to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) as a source of relief and hope. They felt a weight lifted off their shoulders knowing that ALSF was there to help them with groceries or bills when they needed it. Gaby’s parents say they thank God for organizations like ALSF for being the calm within their storm.

Information provided by Claribel Duval, Gaby’s mom
Updated January 2023