Help Gabe get better and return to his family!

Hello! We are Chris Dinardo and Angela Dinardo-Suppies, the devoted Aunts of Gabriel (Gabe) Christensen. We are creating this Go Fund Me on behalf of our nephew, 44-year-old Gabe and his family: his wife Kathleen and his children 9-year-old Anthony and 7-year-old Rosalie. Gabe was diagnosed with Thymoma, cancer of the thymus in 2021. For the past few years, he has been suffering the side effects of several surgeries, dozens of treatments, chemotherapy, and radiation, and is fighting a valiant battle while struggling to re-gain his health. In September due to complications from cancer treatments, Gabe underwent a lung removal and valve replacement. Since then, he has been fighting several subsequent infections as a result of those surgeries.

Gabe was first treated at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, but his type of cancer is so rare (400 cases a year in U.S.) that it required his traveling to Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian in New York City in 2021 which has a department specializing in the treatment of Thymomas.

The family’s frequent visits to New York City for medical treatments have resulted in exorbitant costs. His stays have often lasted for weeks on end with his wife, Kathleen, or his parents, JoAnne and Dave, and his brother Justin by his side. Between hotels, transportation and medical bills - the costs continue to accrue for him and his family. Most recently, Gabe experienced complications following removal of his left lung.

Although Gabe has lived in Norfolk, VA, for the past 20 years, he was born and raised in Schenectady, NY. He is a proud graduate of Schenectady High School, Class of 1998, and the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, Class of 2002.

Gabe’s many interests include the New York Yankees, New York Giants, visiting Lake George and hiking Adirondack mountains. When he moved South he met Kathleen and now he loves the warm Virginia winters, taking his children to the beach and exploring the many beautiful parks Virginia has to offer. He contributed greatly to the work of his local Kiwanis Club, where he served as President in 2020.

Gabe is also an avid hiker and has enjoyed a few backpacking adventures out west with friends. He has always looked forward to the extended family vacations in Virginia Beach and loves attending his family get-togethers in Upstate New York with his many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins enjoying great conversation and the delicious Italian foods made by his Mother, Aunts and even his Grandmother Geri Dinardo.

Friends and family have been very supportive throughout Gabe’s ordeal, but the expenses continue to grow. Many people have asked what they can do to help. We are hoping that this Go Fund Me page will give them the opportunity they’ve requested.

We thank you for reading Gabe’s story. Even if you are unable to donate at this time, we hope that you will keep Gabe and his family in your prayers.