The "Gaby Davis Foundation" was started in memory our daughter and friend
Gabrielle Davis who lost her battle with childhood cancer in March 2007.
Her brave fight against cancer inspired us to fulfill her wish to help other
families fighting this terrible beast.
During Gaby's fight, it was necessary for one of us to leave our employment for
the course of her 44 week treatment. It was also necessary for Gaby to travel to
California for 7 weeks in order to receive specialized radiation treatment for
her cancer.
There were many costs that were not covered by insurance and we were required to
carry two households during her time away.
Our family was very fortunate to be given a great deal of support during Gaby's treatment
but not all families we met were so lucky. We met several families who were struggling
to keep afloat both financially and emotionally. Many of whom had to be away from home
and family for much longer periods of time than we did and had treatment protocols that
go on for years.
It is families like these that we would like to assist by relieving some of their
financial burden so they can spend time with their sick child instead of worrying
about how they are going to get through this fight.
We understand first hand just how precious the gift of time is with our children.
Our goal with this foundation is to offer support and assistance to British Columbian children
with cancer and their families in times of financial need. Gaby wouldn't have
wanted it any other way.
Please help us to help them.
Thank you,
Guy & Tanya Davis
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Our Board of Directors
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Tanya Davis - President, Liaison with families & BCCH & Surrey Memorial
In 1999 Tanya Davis would never have imagined that less than 8 years later she would
be setting up a charity to honour her daughter, Gabrielle Christine Davis. As a Mom to
3 boys on top of enduring Gaby’s battle with cancer, Tanya knows about organization
and getting things done. As a busy accountant, Tanya brings financial and administrative
skills. Combined with her intense empathy for the families with a child going through
cancer, Tanya’s experience and skill-set lends itself to the passionate leader she is;
bringing to fruition her daughter’s wish of helping families affected by childhood cancer.
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Guy Davis - VP, technical support, liaison with families and BCCH
Guy Davis was quite content with remaining just Daddy to his little girl and 3 boys when
Gaby's cancer diagnosis lead him onto another path, one which had him first caring for
his sick little girl and now trying to fulfill the wish she made of helping other families
during their cancer journey after Gaby and Guy witnessed a parent break down on a
visit to a hospital pharmacy. As a technical support specialist, Guy puts his experience
to good use caring for the technical aspects of the Foundation as well as giving
guidance to the overall direction of the charity. As Tanya’s husband, Guy works closely
with her liaising with the families being helped by the Foundation; sharing the same
empathy of having gone through their own childhood cancer journey.
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Niki Iglic - Treasurer
Niki is a mother of 3 girls who enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Niki got involved with the Gaby Davis foundation to give support to Tanya and
Guy and the many families out there that are in the unfortunate situation of
having a sick child. Lending a helping hand to support anyone in their journey
is the best way for Niki to pay it forward. Niki has been a part of the Davis's
extended family for years and hopes to help out with GDF for many years to come.
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Hope Iglic - Director
Hope decided to join the board of directors not only because she enjoys helping
people, but also because Gaby was her cousin. Gaby taught her a valuable lesson, to
always give back no matter what. She believes that by helping continue Gaby's wish,
she keeps her memory alive. She has volunteered at past events but felt the need to do
something more to help. Hope believes that by contributing new ideas for events and
raising awareness to others about childhood cancer, she has lots to contribute to the
board. She remembers her first experience with the board going to a family that was in
need and seeing the gratitude and sense of relief on their faces from everything we
provided for them, it really warmed her heart knowing she was making a difference in a
complete stranger’s life. She hopes all the experiences she will face as a member help
grow and shape her way of life.
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Michelle Sweet-Visram - Director
I learned about the Gaby Davis Foundation through my friend, Danielle Davis, who is a cousin of Gaby. I have volunteered for a
number of other charities and events in the past, but was really looking for something
that struck a chord with me, that I could bring my passion to and truly make a
difference. My sister Sarah was diagnosed with cancer when she was a year old.
Thankfully, she survived but the toll it took on our family throughout the diagnosis and
treatment was tremendous. After getting to know Tanya and Guy and hearing about
Gaby, the GDF and the work they do with and for families who are suffering under this
burden, I knew I had found what I was looking for. I am honoured to be a part of the
team. As Ghandi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
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Ashleigh Schuman - Director
When I was 6 years old, my baby brother, who was 18 months at the time, was
diagnosed with Leukemia. During his treatments I spent time volunteering with my
mom and the Miracle Team, at various events, including car washes, walking in the
Teddy Bear Parade and more. He is now a healthy, successful man.
Since having my own kids, working with childhood cancer initiatives has become
even more important to me and joining the Gaby Davis Foundation was a natural
next step. I'm very excited about everything that we do and everyone we will help!
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Sandrine Baron - Director
Sandrine is a teacher, wife and mom of two. She never met Gaby but she has grown
to love and know her by being neighbours with the Davis Family. Sandrine decided
to join to board because her husband’s brother had been diagnosed with cancer when
he was a child. Since there was such a close family connection, Sandrine felt drawn
to make a difference in the lives of families affected by childhood cancer.
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Jonathan Sharma - Director
Jonathan is a young professional who has known the Davis Family since 2005.
He has always been a supporter of the charity and decided to join the board in 2019
to be involved more actively with day to day operations.
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Grayson Davis - Director
Grayson has been involved in the charity since it’s inception, happily attending events,
handing out flyers, sorting bottles and being involved in every way possible for the past
16 years. Grayson has come on many family visits over the years and knows first hand the
impact our charity’s help has on their lives. He looks forward to having a greater impact
being an official board member and honouring his sister's legacy.
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Simrit Chahal - Director
Gaby and her battle with cancer shaped my perspective on compassion and resilience.
Throughout her fight, I became involved in fundraising alongside my family, driven by a shared
determination to support my dear friend. Gaby's journey became a catalyst for a deep-seated
commitment to cancer causes, a cause that remains close to my heart. Throughout the years, I
maintained a connection with the Davis family. However, the desire to do more, to offer greater
support, lingered. This commitment led me to join the Gaby Davis Foundation as a Director.
It is a heartfelt decision rooted in the mission to honour Gaby's memory and contribute to the
Foundation's impactful work. Being part of the board is more than a position; it's a personal
endeavour to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families navigating the challenges of
childhood cancer.
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Click here to download our information pamphlet. |
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