Obituary: Gabriella Miller, 10, Cancer Advocate

Gabriella Miller died at the age of ten in Leesburg, VA on October 26, 2013 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. "Bri," as her friends called her, was born on January 13, 2003.

Gabriella was a cancer advocate who donated her hair to Locks of Love long before being diagnosed herself with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of nine. In the year after her diagnosis, Bri dedicated herself full time to raising awareness about pediatric brain cancer. She spoke on the National Mall, she started a nonprofit called smashingwalnuts.org, she co-authored a children's book about cancer and she raised over $300,000 for cancer-related children's charities. Last December, Bri's efforts funded last wishes for 36 sick children. Gabriella was granted her own wish in May when she visited Paris. Gabriella's cancer advocacy so impressed local leaders that she was named "Volunteer of the Year," for Loudoun County, she was recognized by the Governor of Virginia who lit the state house gold for pediatric cancer advocacy month and she earned an honorary college degree from Shenandoah University. Gabriella was a straight-A student at Loudoun Country Day School and her family belongs to Congregation Sha'are Shalom synagogue in Leesburg.

Gabriella is survived by her parents Mark and Ellyn and her younger brother Jake.

A public memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mills Rd SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Gabriella's nonprofit at www.smashingwalnuts.org.