About IGF
Our Core Values
RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
We take pride in being good stewards of every dollar donated.
OUR MISSION
We improve the quality of life for children and families fighting cancer.
FAMILY
We believe in supporting the entire family, not just the child diagnosed.
How we started and where we are today...
IGF was formed in 2008 by Mayank and Sejal Gala just a few weeks after their first son, Ishan, gained his angel wings after an 8 month battle with neuroblastoma. During his treatment at Sloan Kettering in New York, they witnessed what the disease took from so many families and the stress it placed on families who were not as fortunate as themselves to have the support and resources they had. They watched the stress rip families apart. The foundation provided support nationally through financial assistance, one on one emotional support and funded research initiatives focused on finding less toxic treatments for neuroblastoma.
In 2016, IGF made a shift to focus solely on direct support to fighting families that live in Virginia with the newly opened University of Virginia Battle Building. Over the next few years, IGF learned more and more about the children’s cancer community and their needs to develop our current programs: Financial Assistance program, Extra Mile program and the Holiday Cheer Program. We believe strongly that when a child is diagnosed it impacts the entire family just as much, including siblings, so we make sure that siblings are included in everything and get just as much love, attention and their needs fullfilled.
The message behind the logo
Our hand-print logo is a replica of Ishan’s print he left on his bedroom wall. It signifies the impression he left on all of us, and the beginning of a journey to help others fighting this horrible disease. His father Mayank wears a necklace with the foundation hand-print. On the back of this necklace, it says “to my beloved son, I will continue the fight until we are reunited again, daddy loves you”.
IGF thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support in our cause.
The Team
Who We Are
Mayank Gala
Founder
Mayank Gala is a local to the Charlottesville, Virginia area. Mayank started his career right out of high school as an area manager for Sunglass Hut Corporation. In 1993 he started his own marketing business and has been self-employed for 17 years. He is happily married to his wife and celebrated 11 years of marriage this last December.
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Mayank is the father to angel Ishan Gala. Ishan was born on August 28th 2006. When Ishan began is battle with neuroblastoma in January of 2008 at 14 months, Mayank and his wife moved to New York to help Ishan fight this life-threatening disease. On September 6, 2008 Ishan became an angel. This developed a passion in him to fight so that no other parents ever experience this kind of pain.
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Mayank’s first experience with cancer was when he lost his grandmother to pancreatic cancer whom he was very close to. Never did he think that it would come even closer to home.
Mayank recognizes that the parents fighting this battle can become the most important advocates. He hopes his experience can turn his tragedy into one-day someone’s victory.
Founder
Sejal Gala
Sejal Gala came to the US with her family in 1993 from India. She resided in Detroit, MI pursuing a pre-med degree with anthropology major at Wayne State University. She met Mayank in her senior year of college and decided to change the course of her career to join Mayank in his marketing business. Sejal married Mayank in 1998 and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia.
Sejal was Ishan Gala’s mom. Having Ishan was the single most exciting event of her life. In Sejal’s words she was carved out for motherhood. Seeing Ishan fight through the treatment was the most painful and difficult time of her life.
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Sejal has also witnessed cancer in her family. Her grandfather at 93 passed to prostate cancer this last year.
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Although it is difficult, Sejal has joined and supported Mayank’s desire to start this foundation. Her holistic approach to life is a big plus to the foundation’s mission.
Ashley Cherrix
Operations Director & Program Manager
Ashley has been a driving force behind our team since joining in 2015. With a deep passion for giving children the best possible chance at life, she plays an essential role in every aspect of the organization—overseeing daily operations, leading programs, coordinating fundraising efforts, and ensuring IGF continues to thrive.
Though she was new to the world of pediatric cancer when she began, Ashley has grown into a trusted and invaluable resource for the families we serve. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering support make her a steady presence and a source of comfort for families facing their most difficult moments. She truly embodies the heart and soul of our mission.
Board Members
Anita Smith
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Danial Cutright
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Mary Katherine Peters
