In the Spring of 2022 our  Children’s Cancer Support Center opened it’s doors  to address this problem directly by providing special programming that offers cancer support groups, bereavement support groups, educational workshops, health and wellness support, resources and referrals as well as social activities for families. It’s the city’s first cancer support center exclusively for children. 

Our programs are designed to empower parents by providing them with the tools necessary to improve their social connections, give them sense of control and provide a holistic approach to help them navigate their child’s cancer diagnosis. We believe that this will improve the lives and the health and wellness of both the body and mind. 

We know that it takes a community to overcome the challenges that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis. For families that are feeling alone or isolated due to their child’s diagnosis, we believe that  they will  find the support they need when they come to the Children’s Cancer Support Center. 

The Children’s Cancer Support Center provides resources and support for families that have a child diagnosed with cancer by taking a holistic approach to help in all areas including mental and social factors affecting the entire family. 

Programs offered at the center include the following:

• Mental Health Support Services - support and networking groups for cancer families and bereaved cancer families
• Resources & Referrals - connecting members to other services in the community
• Health and wellness programs- through strategic partnerships with the community
• Educational Workshops - presentations by experts in their field
• Social Activities - fun social events for children and their families
• Financial Assiatnce-Financial assistance may be available for families who have a child undergoing active treatment.

Calendar of events can be viewed here.

To qualify, families must have a child who has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving treatment in San Antonio.

Application can be found here.

Services are provided for FREE and at no cost to families of children diagnosed with cancer.

This program is generously sponsored by Community First Health Plans and gives families the opportunity to enjoy a day in the park with their family. Families are given the opportunity to choose one of several local attractions to visit on their preferred day. Program funds are limited and made available on a first come, first serve basis. Families can apply here.

Gabriella's Gifts is a part of Gabriella's Smile Foundation’s focus on providing children with cancer and their families in San Antonio area hospitals an opportunity to experience joy and smiles in the midst of their difficult journey.

Gabriella received gifts all the time. During radiation, as she struggled to get through the 33 days of her treatment, our friends collected something special for her to open every day. She had enough gifts to open one daily after she came home from her treatment. She also received packages every week with toys and gifts that brought a much needed smile to her face. While in the hospital, she received presents nearly every day. Gabriella would often pick out treats from her big stash and donate them to the prize room in the hospital. 

We are committed to providing support to families in San Antonio that are in the hospital. Whether it is backpacks for their children at the beginning of the school year, a warm meal, a gift card for coffee, a gas card or a gift on special holidays, this is a need that we want to fill.

To qualify, families must have a child who has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving treatment in San Antonio.

In 2020, we launched our lodging assistance program. We can provide 1-3 nights of lodging in the medical center area at a local hotel.

To apply for lodging assistance from Gabriella’s Smile, please complete the following Application and choose lodging assistance in the “Which program are you applying to?” field.

Once the application is submitted, your healthcare provider must complete the healthcare provider form via email to [email protected] or via fax to 210-670-6201.

We will make every effort to provide urgent assistance, but we ask that all requests be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Families must live 40 miles or further from the 78229 zip code.

Operation Back to School is targeted on fulfilling educational needs for these children as a part of the Gabriella’s Gifts program. 

Since 2016, we have served over 1,300 children with backpacks and delivered them to oncology clinics in local children's hospitals. The backpacks are gifted to these brave cancer warriors and their siblings annually before the start of each school year. Our 2023 goal is to provide 300 new backpacks filled with school supplies to children battling cancer and their siblings. 

With our new Children’s Cancer Support Center now open, we have designated that as our official drop off location. Donate new backpacks and new school supplies. Items most needed are: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, erasers and other related school supplies at 477 Spencer Lane San Antonio, Texas 78201 during the month of July. In addition to the backpacks we would like to provide each family with gas and grocery cards. Additional funds donated to will go directly to support our ongoing Children's Cancer Support Center.

Backpacks will be distributed to our cancer families at our Summer Bash event on Saturday, August 05 at 10 AM and also taken to the local oncology clinics. You can also choose to sponsor or make a monetary donation. Learn more here.

To view more information, click here.