Ishan Gala Foundation

The Ishan Gala Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to be present in the lives of children fighting cancer and their families to improve their quality of life during and after treatment. We were founded by Mayank and Sejal Gala after the loss of their 2 year old son, Ishan, to neuroblastoma in 2009. During Ishan's fight, they experienced and witnessed what this disease does to the entire family...and knew they needed to do something about it. 

Only a few weeks after Ishan passed away, the Ishan Gala Foundation was formed and immediately began raising awareness and funds to support cutting edge research focused on finding less toxic treatments for neuroblastoma. Eventually, they also began the Hero Grants program to provide financial support to families all across the United States.

Once the University of Virginia's Battle Building was complete, the foundation decided to shift its mission and focus on local families throughout Virginia. With the new Children's hospital came new treatments, research capabilities, and more families who would need help. Many of the families treated at UVA travel distances for their treatment and check-up because it is their best option, but that also means additional expenses such as gas, wear and tear on vehicles, lodging, meals, all while trying to keep up with bills and life at home. 

IGF strives to improve the quality for children fighting cancer and their families through financial support, comfort packages, and our Holiday Cheer Program. We help families keep up with their bills at home, travel costs for treatments, groceries, and any other needs that we believe will improve their quality of life during their fight. We also provide comfort packages to our little fighters to keep their spirits up and encouragement to fight with all their strength. We also provide comfort packages to their sidekick siblings and parents when they are having a rough time. We also are there with packages to celebrate any major milestones for the family. Our third major program is our Holiday Cheer Program, which helps families during the holiday season. This unique holiday program, collects the wishlists of all the children in the family to ensure they have a magical holiday. IGF also host a an exclusive germ-safe Holiday Party for fighting families with crafts, food, and of course a visit from Santa! For many families this is the only Holiday Party and visit with Santa they can attend due to the fear of germs at public places.