Denise Rich on Legacy, Music, and the Mission of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation

The foundation was created in honor of my daughter, Gabrielle, who passed away from acute myeloid leukemia at just 27 years old. Before she died, she told me that if she survived, this would be her life’s work. Her wish was to create a foundation that would fund the most promising investigators in the country, with the hope of finding less toxic treatments and, ultimately, a cure. She wanted others to be spared the suffering that comes with chemotherapy and radiation.

My daughters Daniella and Ilona and I decided that the best way to honor Gabrielle’s memory was to turn our grief into a positive force for others. That became Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research in 1996. Since then, we’ve raised over $43 million for research. We’ve funded more than 50 leading cancer centers, investing in the best and brightest young scientists to support innovative projects that might otherwise go unfunded.

Music has always been part of my life, and it’s part of Gabrielle’s spirit too. The Angel Ball is not only an important fundraiser—it’s also a celebration filled with incredible performances and artistry. People come to learn about the research, but they also leave uplifted by the music. That combination of science, community, and celebration makes the event unique and keeps people coming back year after year.

Honestly, I feel at home everywhere. I spend time in different places, and it all seems to work well.

My main focus is the foundation. That’s really where I put my energy, and everything else flows from that mission.

Transparency and trust. People know that 88 cents of every dollar we raise goes directly to research, and that makes a big difference. Our events are also about gratitude and joy—we create beautiful evenings that people want to attend, while knowing their contributions go directly toward lifesaving work. Sadly, cancer has deeply affected my family. I lost Gabrielle, my sister to breast cancer, and my mother to lung cancer. Many of our supporters have similar stories, so there’s a shared bond and determination to help.

I think young people are realizing that they, too, can make a real impact. Cancer touches everyone in some way. Gabrielle was only 27, with her whole life ahead of her—an actress in Los Angeles, about to become the face of Lancôme. Her dream was to live and give back, and she asked me to continue her mission. Her story continues to inspire young people to act, to help, and to give, because they know it could happen to anyone.

Yes, we fund projects that focus on early detection, prevention, and improving the efficacy of treatments. Timing is everything in cancer care. We also support collaborative research across disciplines, including integrative and complementary medicine, to develop new approaches that improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Absolutely. AI can help speed up data analysis, identify patterns, and accelerate the development of new therapies. It’s an exciting area that could change the way research is done.

To get involved. Support cancer research, spread awareness, or simply help someone in need. Every contribution matters. People are alive today because of the money we’ve raised. Gabrielle’s story reminds us all that life is precious and that we each have the ability to make a difference.

For me, the highlight is seeing how people—young and old—come to our events, feel moved, and want to help. That ripple effect means everything. You may never know all the lives you touch, but knowing you’ve helped someone live longer or better is the greatest reward.