From Easton Hospital pharmacy technician to business owner, mother, and a battle with metastatic breast cancer, Gabrielle Neith shares a life filled with unexpected turns and the importance of making every day count.
More than thirty years ago, Gabrielle and I worked together in the pharmacy at Easton Hospital. Like so many former coworkers, we eventually went our separate ways. I pursued a career in information technology, writing, and art, while Gabrielle embarked on a journey that would lead her to owning a successful business and raising a family.
We lost touch.
Then, earlier this year, I came across her GoFundMe campaign and was shocked to learn she was battling stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
I reached out, wondering if she’d remember me after all these years. She did.
I wanted people to know more about the woman behind the fundraiser. Recently, Gabrielle graciously agreed to share her story with me. It’s one of determination, family, unexpected opportunities, and finding reasons to be grateful even during life’s most difficult moments.
Let’s go back to the early 1990s when you were working at Easton Hospital. What do you remember about those days?
Gabrielle Neith: My husband and I were living in New Tripoli, and I had just completed a pharmacy technician course. I did really well and was so excited when I was offered a job at Easton Hospital.
I trained on the day shift before moving to overnights. Eventually, we moved to Emmaus, where we rented a house while I continued working in the pharmacy.
It was during those years that I realized how much I loved the medical field. My husband and I also had two dreams: having a child and buying our own home.
You experienced several miscarriages before becoming a mother. What did finally having your daughter mean to you?
GN: I had always wanted to be a mother, but we had three miscarriages, which was heartbreaking for both of us.
After buying our first home, we decided to try one more time, and we had our beautiful daughter, who’s now 27.
Being a mother has been the most incredible experience. My daughter is amazing and made it easy! She’s grown into a wonderful woman and is my biggest cheerleader and best friend.
My husband and I have always been a team, especially when it came to raising her. I’m so grateful for both of them.
Your father encouraged you to attend a medical transcription conference. How did that change your life?
GN: I remember coming back to the car after the conference and telling my husband, “I can do this!”
I never imagined taking a medical transcription course would eventually lead to owning my own business.
And while I was taking that course, I became pregnant with my daughter! It was the beginning of another wonderful chapter in my life.
You eventually purchased a transcription business and built it into a successful company. What was that experience like?
GN: When I first started in transcription, I worked for a woman who told me I’d never make it in the profession. But I didn’t let that stop me.
I remember taking my daughter in her carrier to my next job interview. I didn’t get hired initially, but a few weeks later, the woman called and offered me the job.
After about a year, she had to give up her business and asked if I wanted to buy it. So I did!
I was scared, but my husband supported me every step of the way.
I learned I was capable of so much more than I realized. I wasn’t just doing transcription. I was a trainer, an accountant, a manager, and everything else that came with owning a business.
At its height, I employed nine people, and we all worked from home. My husband even helped with transcription and served as my IT guy!
What did working from home allow you to experience as a mother?
GN: Being there to get my daughter on and off the school bus. Walking her back to the house, sitting at the kitchen table, and hearing about her day.
Being able to laugh at her stories, but also being there to dry her tears.
I’m so blessed that my business allowed me to be with her every day, from the time she was born until she left for college.
Your husband was deployed with the Marines for a year when your daughter was five. How did you get through that time?
GN: What got me through was our incredibly strong marriage and my daughter.
She was starting kindergarten without her daddy and was too young to understand why he was gone or when he’d return.
We read books, played games, and made a special box wrapped in camouflage paper. Inside were all the things her daddy missed—a lock of hair from a haircut, a cool bug we’d found, a tooth she’d lost, and so much more.
When he finally came home, she gave him that box filled with everything she’d wanted to share with him.
After more than twenty years, technology brought your business to an end. How did you handle starting over?
GN: It was difficult watching something I’d worked so hard to build come to an end.
Electronic medical records had made my job obsolete. Finding another job wasn’t easy, either. Some employers didn’t take my experience seriously because I’d worked from home running my own business.
Eventually, I became a scheduler in Neurology. I loved the job and was able to apply everything I’d learned over the years.
Unfortunately, in 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to stop working.
What has been the most difficult part of your cancer journey, and what do you wish more people understood?
GN: I remember sitting in the doctor’s office with my husband, looking at an image of the tumor and hearing that I needed a double mastectomy.
We were both in disbelief. It felt like our world was crashing in.
After chemotherapy and radiation, I thought the worst was over. Then, in January 2023, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to my liver, bones, and lungs.
I now had metastatic breast cancer.
What people don’t always understand is that treatment never ends. You stay on a medication until it stops working, then move to another, hoping there will be more options available.
I’ve been on several medications and am currently receiving chemotherapy.
It’s also incredibly hard on caregivers. My husband has been my rock. He’s never missed an appointment, chemotherapy treatment, radiation session, or scan. He’s there when I’m sick, helping with everything.
I don’t know how I’d get through this without him.
The hardest part is not knowing what the future holds. Sometimes, I feel like I’m watching the rest of the world go by.
Your recent scans have been encouraging. What gives you hope and helps you through the difficult days?
GN: My scans showed the chemotherapy is working. I don’t know how long it will continue working, so I take things one day at a time.
My family and friends get me through the hard days.
Chemotherapy is difficult, especially knowing that just as I start feeling better, it’s almost time for another infusion.
But I know this treatment is giving me more time with my husband, daughter, son-in-law, family, and friends. I’m so grateful for that.
I’ve also learned to appreciate the little things. The sun on my face. The softness of my dogs’ fur. Watching a thunderstorm from our back deck with my husband. Sitting on the porch swing talking about our plans. A hug from my daughter.
Those moments mean everything.
What has the support from your GoFundMe meant to you, and what would you say to others facing difficult times?
GN: I would want them to know they’re not alone.
There’s always someone—a family member, friend, nurse, coworker, or even a stranger who smiles at you in the grocery store.
I’ve been humbled by everyone’s kindness. People have donated, prepared meals, and sent things from my Amazon wishlist.
The donations have helped pay unexpected expenses, but more importantly, they’ve allowed me to concentrate on spending time with family and friends without worrying so much.
It’s given me much-needed peace.
I’m hoping to enjoy the holidays and make more memories with the people I love.
You can find out more about Gabrielle and donate to her GoFundMe by Clicking Here
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