Gabby had been having severe joint and head pain and shortness of breath for the past two months. She had had chronic illnesses such as sinus infections, strep throat, and earaches before that. However, only family and a few close friends knew she was suffering so much. Gabby herself put it this way, "Being constantly sick without answers was extremely frustrating and mentally stressful. I kept thinking I could push through, but my body kept giving me every single roadblock. I knew something was wrong, but it was frustrating because it seemed like no one would or could help me."

Her chronic illnesses had gotten so bad that her doctor took her out of work and school. However, she only had two weeks left of her first year of graduate school, so she decided to try to push through and finish the semester.

On Tuesday, April 26, Gabby drove to school to go to the library. She loves some plants there, and she wanted to get some homework done before class. She had to walk about ten minutes to get there and then walk up two flights of stairs. On the second flight of stairs, Gabby fainted and woke up to someone trying to help her up before heading to the emergency room.

She was referred to Roswell's Comprehensive Care Center, and on Wednesday, April 27, they admitted her for observation and testing. She met with many doctors, and they tried to rule out some different sicknesses.

On Saturday, April 30, Gabby was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It affects a group of white blood cells called myeloid cells, which would normally develop into various types of mature blood cells. This type of cancer can progress rapidly and drastically weaken the immune system.

Gabby started aggressive inpatient chemotherapy on Sunday, May 1, the day after her diagnosis. She will be there for a minimum of 4-6 weeks; then, she will begin her outpatient treatment and need to stay within 45 minutes of the hospital at all times. In addition, due to the type of mutation, she will require a bone marrow transplant which will include another inpatient stay. On day 14, she will undergo testing to determine if the leukemia is also in her spinal cord and fluid. If so, she will require multiple weekly visits for treatment for up to one year, in addition to her other treatments.

Gabby's mom and dad have been there with her every single day. But unfortunately, no one else is allowed to see Gabby due to her weakened immune system. Luckily, she can see the hospital's courtyard from her window and can wave to her friends and family who want to see her smiling face.

The average cost of cancer treatment is around $150,000. But, as we all know, insurance will only cover a percentage of that amount. This leaves a significant portion to be paid by Gabby and her wonderfully supportive family. In addition to this, the travel costs for her family have already started to add up. The goal of this fundraiser is to help lighten the financial burden for Gabby and her sweet family.

Gabby is highly optimistic and determined. She is focused on getting healthy and finishing this semester while undergoing her chemo treatments. If you know Gabby, you know how strong and kind she is. We know she can beat this! If anyone wants to send Gabby some get-well gifts, her hospital address is Gabby Papa Room 5419, 5 West Roswell Park, 665 Elm Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. Remember nothing alive. No plants. Food is okay as long as it's pre-packaged.