Gabrielle “Gabbie” Nganga was a very bright, friendly, and courageous student of mine and today, on March 7th, Gabbie lost her life after an unexpected illness. Gabbie was a junior and had already started to make plans for her future. She loved Disney so much and would talk about her dream to work there as an Imagineer to design roller coasters, but Gabbie also admired her mother and dreamed of following in her footsteps to work in the medical field and help others. Gabbie was involved in her school and was a part of the fundraising committee in the Black Student Union (BSU) Club since the 9th grade where she used her awesome spirit to bring awareness to others.

Gabbie’s mother has spent the last several days by her side as Gabbie fought for her life, praying for Gabbie’s return to good health and normalcy in her life. Gabbie’s father stopped working and traveled across the country to be by her side in her last moments. Losing a child brings on a pain that is unimaginable and everlasting. Having to deal with the financial costs that come with death should be the last concern or worry that her parents should have to deal with. Gabbie was not just my student, she was a student to many of us. Gabbie was a friend. Gabbie was a part of our community. I have created this GoFundMe to provide support for her family during a tremendously difficult time. I hope that these funds can help give Gabbie a beautiful service, as well as financial support for her parents as they navigate the realities of life during an unimaginable circumstance. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for taking the time to honor her memory.

Rest in Peace, Gabbie.