Our Story

Gabby's Legacy Organization (GLO) was established to honor the life and legacy of Gabriella "Gabby" Iduh. She was a creative, energetic, and outgoing kid who inspired and connected with everyone she encountered. She began her almost four-year cancer journey at the age of eight in 2015 when she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). Like many childhood cancer patients, Gabby endured numerous treatments, surgeries, and procedures. Through it all, she persevered, demonstrating strength, courage, and bravery.

She received support from several charitable organizations, her family, and friends during her journey. This support inspired Gabby in 2018, along with a team of supporters, to begin planning a nonprofit organization aimed at giving back to cancer patients like herself. During the planning phase, Gabby's cancer returned, and in 2019, three months after her 12th birthday, Gabby succumbed to her cancer.

Inspired to continue Gabby's legacy, her family and supporters created Gabby's Legacy Organization as a 501 (c)(3)non-profit in her memory in May 2021, with a renewed focus on supporting childhood cancer patients and their families.

In memoriam, mom and daughter: Cassandra (11.3.2019) and Gabby (8.5.2019)

Volunteer Staff

Charmaine Smith, MBA - Volunteer Executive Director

Gabby's sidekick and Aunt Maine.

I had the profound privilege of walking alongside my sister, Cassandra, and her daughter, my niece, Gabby, throughout Gabby's courageous battle with cancer. Witnessing their strength and resilience has deeply moved me.

Too many children and families confront this daunting journey, and it's a privilege to offer support in this role. Having experienced this journey with Gabby and Cassandra, I understand the immense challenges faced by both children and their parents.

Being part of an organization that provides crucial support during such trying times fills me with immense pride. It's a reminder that no family should face these challenges alone. We stand together, ready to support and uplift families in their darkest moments.

To every family out there: You are not alone. We are here with open arms, ready to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Meet the Board

CHARMAINE SMITH (Board Chair)

Title: College Faculty

Connection to Gabby: Gabby's "Aunt Maine" and sidekick!

Why Serve: I serve to carry on Gabby's legacy of supporting and helping others. Long Live Gabby!

CALVIN BRADLY, JR (Treasurer)

TITLE: Pediatric Staff Chaplain

Connection to Gabby: Served as Chaplain on Gabby's Greenville treatment team.

WHY SERVE: Gabby believed in helping others and spreading joy. It is an honor to be able to honor her life by doing what she loved.

LEKETIA VINES (Secretary)

TITLE: Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)

CONNECT TO GABBY: My connection to Gabby was through her mother and aunt whom I went to school with. I had the pleasure of being in Gabby's life and seeing her become a loving smart young girl.

WHY SERVE: I want to serve in hopes of helping any parent who has a child with cancer in hopes of doing something to make their journey a little less difficult

CHARMAINE BOND

Title: Social Worker

Connect to Gabby: I had the pleasure of being a part of Gabby's medical team. To know Gabby was to love her; I am elated at the opportunity to help fulfill GLO's mission while keeping Gabby's legacy alive.

Why Serve: As a pediatric oncology social worker, I see firsthand the devastation that a cancer diagnosis has on a child and the entire family. My role as a board member affords me an additional opportunity to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and assist in the development of innovative programs and services to address unmet needs.

SHIRLEY SMITH

Title: Retired Unit Secretary

Connection to Gabby: Gabby's grandmother

Why Serve: I chose to serve on this organization because Gabby was a sweet and loving child. She will always be in my heart. If you ever knew Gabby, you would never forget her.

JAKIMA VANCE

TITLE: Medical Receptionist

Connection to Gabby: Our connection to Gabby started as a support system to her and her mom, as our daughter had previously been diagnosed with brain cancer, but the relationship grew into family.

Why Serve: I serve because I know first hand how pediatric cancer affects families and I want to continue to shed a light on the conversation and to be a part of the solution.

***All board officers and members are volunteers and are not compensated for their service.***