"Let light shine out of darkness."
-2 Corinthians 4:6

 

 Gabriella was diagnosed with an extremely rare congenital disease called Neurocutaneous Melanosis. There is little known about it and there is no known cure. The disease attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and has a very poor prognosis once neurological symptoms begin.

 

 

 In November of 2007 Gabby underwent two shunt surgeries for hydrocephalus, which is a major neurological symptom of this disease that doctors were unaware she had. In February of this 2008 she was diagnosed with NCM and underwent an extensive surgery that included a shunt revision, external drain for her subdural hematoma (caused by the shunt failure), and a procedure to drain the tumor that was compressing her spine.

 The surgery revealed that the disease had consumed her entire spinal cord which was causing her to have radiating pain throughout her body, as well as a regression in her ability to walk. In addition, she experienced neuropathic pain and seizures that required different medications to control.

 In her last month she was quadriplegic, but her smile shined through the frustration. In her last days she was blind, mute, quadriplegic, and in her final hours unconscious.

 Thank you to HOSPICE of Saratoga for your support so Gabriella could be home and surrounded by her family, friends, and all things familiar. Gabriella passed on May 28, 2008 in her own bed during prayers. Although we deeply mourn our loss, we rejoice in her victory through Christ Jesus who has made her whole in Heaven.

 

   

Learn more about Gabby at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let It Shine!!

Supporting Families Grieving a Child

259 Pruyn Hill Road
Mechanicville, NY 12118
(518) 867 • 1559

info@gabbyroccofoundation.org

 

2ND ANNUAL SCOTCH DOUBLES BOWLING

Join us at Hometown Lanes in Mechanicville on February 16, 2013 @ 9:30pm to have fun and help the Foundation raise money to support our mission.  $20 per couple (3 couples per lane).  Prizes, raffles, and our t-shirts and sweatshirts will be available.  Call Dave DeCelle to reserve your lane or for more information: 376-4516. 

GABBY'S PURPLE MANIACS DONATE

Thank you to GABBY'S PURPLE MANIACS for their $1,600 donation. The MANIACS raised awareness and money for the Foundation as they prepared and participated in the Adirondack Ragnar Relay. The twelve runners ran in relay from Saratoga Springs, NY to Lake Placid, NY. They ran the 200 mile race continually for 33 hours with the support of their drivers and medics. We appreciate all of their support!

(Runners: Marie Abraham, Dave DeCelle, Lou Rocco, Erin Rocco, Ann Gaetano, John LaVigne, Danielle Erno, Steve Grassmann, Joan Rocco, John Bolton, Keith West, Pam Bisaillon. Not pictured: Drivers Barb McGuire and Mark Bisaillon; Medics Suzie DeCelle and Marybeth Martone)

 

RUNNING TO REMEMBER

TEAM GABBY GABS participates in regional running races.  There are over 25 athletes on the team ranging from first year runners to life-long competitors, but they all have the same goal: Raise awareness of our Foundation and Remember the children our families are grieving. After putting on the Purple, they proudly place a remembrance photo badge on their shirts.  Each badge includes a picture of the child and his or her name.  The runners are eager to share the story of that child they're "Running to Remember".  (Photo: Some of the members of Team Gabby Gabs before the Firecracker 4 race in Saratoga Springs on July 4, 2012). 

 

 

 

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