History

The Island Gift of Life Foundation began as the dream of Shelter Island resident, Cheryl Hannabury, who battled Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for many years. Her hope was to develop an organization that would assist families with the un-insured expenses incurred while treating the disease as well as for the collateral expenses incurred such as travel, lodging, etc. of the family and support team. It was also her hope to increase the awareness of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, as well as the importance of increasing the bone-marrow donor registry for this disease.

As a result of many generous donations, the Foundation became a non-profit organization in February 2001, and the Island Gift of Life held a blood/bone marrow drive with the intent to add to the bone marrow donor registry and possibly find a match for Cheryl. The program was so successful that 100 people were added to the registry.

While Cheryl unfortunately succumbed to the disease, despite all efforts to save her, her dream continues today with the present activities of the Foundation she inspired.

Over the years the mission of the Island Gift of Life Foundation has expanded beyond the wishes of Cheryl's dream to include support for people with many other serious medical problems. Please visit our past services page to see some examples of how we help people in need.