By Chad Neal
It seems we have been inundated locally with the disease of cancer. This terrible malady has attacked yet another local woman, who is too young as well. Gabriele Papa, lovingly known as Gabby had been suffering with pain in her joints and her head also having shortness of breath, which was preceded by bouts of sinus infections, strep throat and earaches which she kept to herself and close family and friends. In late April the symptoms worked against her as she fainted while climbing stairs at her school. She was taken to the emergency room and referred to Roswell Comprehensive Care Center for observations and testing, and few days later Gabby was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This cancer attacks the blood and bone marrow, and it is a type that progresses rapidly and drastically weakens the immune system.
Gabby has since started aggressive chemotherapy and will be there for 4-6 weeks, with a very rough schedule ahead to help defeat this deadly disease. Her friends and family have come out to her aid by setting up beneficial ways to help ease the costs of all of these treatments she is receiving. Gabby lives in Ellicottville with her St. Bernard and has roots in the area. With this life changing diagnosis, a financial burden is placed in her path. Her friends have started a go-fund me which can be found on Facebook or at gofundme.com – Gabby’s Leukemia Fight Fund – for donations.
Also, there is a benefit party to help at Madigan’s in Ellicottville on Sunday June 12th starting at 1pm. Information can also be found on Facebook at #GabbysGang. This event will have food and a cash bar, and several contests for prizes including a 50/50 raffle. It will also include basket raffles and drawings for big ticket items as well. These prizes include 2 tickets to see Morgan Wallen, a kayak, a Blackstone Grill, a Michael Kors basket, Yeti Cooler, and a camping set which includes a tent, chairs, hammock, and a fire pit. They are also expecting more donations to be added. The tickets will be $20 for 1 and $50 for 2. Tickets can be purchased at Madigan’s or calling Dawn Anderson at 716-244-0993 – Shelby Hensel at 716-378-2545 – Paige Papa at 716-378-3065 or Michelle Pierce at 716-553-2396.
Not only will Gabby receive the funds needed to help in her fight, the benefit parties at Madigan’s are always fun on the patio. Madigan’s is one of Gabby’s favorite hangouts and they are always willing to help. There are many ways to help as well. Donating bone marrow is another way too, and there’s no need for a blood type match as they are based on an HLA matching. More info can be found at giftoflife.org.
Recently Gabby wrote on her Facebook page that she has great news. Her “bone marrow biopsy results came back clean, meaning we have made it past the initial induction phase! We made it over a big hurdle. The first round of high dose chemotherapy was able to get the bulk of the most harmful Leukemia cells, meaning I am now able to continue outpatient treatment after 2 more weeks of allowing my immune system to build backup.”
This good news goes well with positive outlook and love for Gabby. If you would care to donate it would be accepted happily by calling or texting any of the numbers above.