Our Angel Gabriel
In 2013, The Angel Gabriel Foundation was founded in memory of Gabriel Ruiz, who bravely fought cancer while inspiring and empowering others. Gabriel was multifaceted, innately talented and full of life. He loved helping people, having fun and exploring his hometown of Chicago with family and friends.
Affectionately called “Tio,” “Pop” and “Mijo’s,” among other things, Gabriel was the youngest of seven. He quickly became the “man of the family” at a young age, filling in the gaps and lending a helping hand wherever there was a need. If anyone had a problem, needed advice or a good laugh, they called “Tio.”
In 2010, Gabriel was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He had been unemployed for about a year prior to his diagnosis and due to this, was forced to seek medical treatment at Cook County Hospital. Not being able to provide for his family affected Gabriel greatly. However, despite being faced with potentially devastating circumstances, Gabriel never gave up on God or people.
Throughout his chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Gabriel continued living life to the fullest; attending Sox and Cubs game, attended the Blackhawk’s victory parade to celebrate their Stanley Cup Championship, and took trips with his family. He also used his time to serve others and give back to his community and spent countless hours volunteering at his sons' high school. Gabriel always felt best when he was surrounded by people, especially his loved ones.
On one particular occasion, a group of his former coworkers surprised him by delivering pizza and monetary donations to his home. Gabriel said for the first time since he had been diagnosed, in those few hours, he forgot he had cancer.In his last days, he continued posting scriptures to Facebook, praying and praising the Lord. This was his last Facebook post:
“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
~John 3:16
The day before he passed, Gabriel was in his hospital bed, singing Kirk Franklin’s, “My Life is in Your Hands" with his sisters at his side. He was extremely weak, yet still found the strength to raise his hands in worship.
Gabriel passed away on June 15, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was 41 years old and a father of four.
The devastation and grief was paralyzing to his family. However, what seemed like the end, actually turned out to be a beautiful beginning.His niece and sister vowed to never let his legacy be forgotten. They worked to take their extraordinary grief and turn it into a positive force to help others.
Two years after Gabriel’s journey on earth came to an end, The Angel Gabriel Foundation was born.
Affectionately called “Tio,” “Pop” and “Mijo’s,” among other things, Gabriel was the youngest of seven. He quickly became the “man of the family” at a young age, filling in the gaps and lending a helping hand wherever there was a need. If anyone had a problem, needed advice or a good laugh, they called “Tio.”
In 2010, Gabriel was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He had been unemployed for about a year prior to his diagnosis and due to this, was forced to seek medical treatment at Cook County Hospital. Not being able to provide for his family affected Gabriel greatly. However, despite being faced with potentially devastating circumstances, Gabriel never gave up on God or people.
Throughout his chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Gabriel continued living life to the fullest; attending Sox and Cubs game, attended the Blackhawk’s victory parade to celebrate their Stanley Cup Championship, and took trips with his family. He also used his time to serve others and give back to his community and spent countless hours volunteering at his sons' high school. Gabriel always felt best when he was surrounded by people, especially his loved ones.
On one particular occasion, a group of his former coworkers surprised him by delivering pizza and monetary donations to his home. Gabriel said for the first time since he had been diagnosed, in those few hours, he forgot he had cancer.In his last days, he continued posting scriptures to Facebook, praying and praising the Lord. This was his last Facebook post:
“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
~John 3:16
The day before he passed, Gabriel was in his hospital bed, singing Kirk Franklin’s, “My Life is in Your Hands" with his sisters at his side. He was extremely weak, yet still found the strength to raise his hands in worship.
Gabriel passed away on June 15, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was 41 years old and a father of four.
The devastation and grief was paralyzing to his family. However, what seemed like the end, actually turned out to be a beautiful beginning.His niece and sister vowed to never let his legacy be forgotten. They worked to take their extraordinary grief and turn it into a positive force to help others.
Two years after Gabriel’s journey on earth came to an end, The Angel Gabriel Foundation was born.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
GENESIS 50:20
GENESIS 50:20
