What began as a simple toothache turned into a life-changing journey for 7-year-old Gabby. When her family took her to the dentist, X-rays revealed something far more serious — the problem wasn’t her teeth. Gabby had a jaw tumor and was diagnosed with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Her case was too complex for doctors back home, so her family traveled from the Philippines to Florida for treatment. Seeking hope, her family arrived at Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital, where Gabby underwent eight months of life-saving treatment involving chemotherapy, radiation, and several surgeries.
While Gabby bravely faced months of treatment, her family searched for ways to help her feel like herself again. A hospital social worker introduced them to Wigs For Kids and our program providing free of charge hairpieces to restore confidence after hair loss.
After applying to our Recipient Program, Gabby’s family received even more support. Annie, a dear friend of Gabby’s mom, decided to grow out her hair and donate it in Gabby’s honor, sharing her hair to help a child just like Gabby feel beautiful and strong.
Annie shared:
“Remember when I cut 16 inches off my hair back in the summer? I did it in her honor!! My best friend’s daughter — strong, beautiful, and brave beyond words — inspires me to grow my hair out again for my 4th donation. Every inch I grow will be in honor of her and all the incredible kids like her.”
Certified Service Provider stylist Daniell Santiago of Bliss Blo Bar volunteered her time and talents to help Gabby and her family. Daniell measured, fitted, and styled Gabby’s wig with care and precision. She also taught Gabby how to care for and wear her new hairpiece, empowering her with confidence and independence. Gabby’s mother shared, “Daniell is so accommodating! Thank you all!”
We’re thrilled to share that Gabby is now cancer-free! She rang the bell at the hospital wearing her beautifully styled wig, a symbol of both her health milestone and renewed joy. Her radiant smile says it all: healing is more than survival; it’s about feeling like yourself again.
Back home in the Philippines, Gabby is full of energy, creating art, and spending time with friends. Her father is optimistic about a bright future and Gabby has a hairpiece she can wear when she chooses as her hair grows back.
Through the unwavering support of her community, medical heroes at TGH, generous hair donors like Annie, and volunteer stylists like Daniell, Gabby’s story is one of healing, hope, and transformation. Stories like Gabby’s show families that with love, generosity, and support, children can feel like themselves again and celebrate life’s milestones.
Inspired by this story? Start growing your hair today and join the team of donors who help kids feel like themselves again.
If you are a stylist interested in helping our children, please click here for more information.
If you are interested in donating your hair, please click here for more information.
For recipient stories, please click here.
For more ways to support Wigs For Kids, please click here.
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