Two days before her birthday, Yorba Linda High School teacher Gabrielle Stephenson received a stage four cancer diagnosis, a devastating moment that left her shocked and betrayed by the body that was supposed to carry her through life.

“In the beginning, I wondered why evil people didn’t get this. Why me?” she reflects.

Unlike the equations she had spent the past several years teaching, this was one she could not solve. Ms. Stephenson attempted to continue living the life she knew; however, this has proven to be an arduous task given the treatments she has undergone and the financial strain of medical bills.

In hopes of combating the cancer, doctors prescribed her 10 rounds of radiation, a targeted therapy drug, and bone infusions, some of which she said, “cause skin irritation, potassium loss, and lowered white blood cell count.”

One of the most prominent side effects is fatigue, which the MD Anderson Cancer Center describes as “intense exhaustion that can be more severe than typical fatigue.” This weariness can interfere with daily activities and severely worsen the quality of life. Despite this obstacle, Ms. Stephenson continues to find joy in the moments “after a good meal or funny show,” proving her strength in overcoming this affliction.

As a math teacher at YLHS, Ms. Stephenson is a source of inspiration for both students and teachers. Grace Peng (12) previously had her for AP Calculus. “[She] always begins class with a warm smile, which instantly brightens my mood … she is endlessly patient, always willing to answer my questions until I fully understand the material,” Peng says. “She’s such a strong and positive person who makes you feel supported in her classroom. Her encouragement and optimism have made a lasting impact on how I view both math and learning as a whole.”

Beyond being an exceptional teacher, Ms. Stephenson uplifts her students and ensures that they are comfortable within her classrooms and themselves. YLHS alumnus Holden Nagin reminisces, “I had Ms. Stephenson during my freshman year of high school, a time when I was nervous, shy, and still trying to find my place. From the very first day, she lit up the room with her amazing jokes, constant singing, and of course, Pop-Tart Fridays. No matter how I was feeling, Ms. Stephenson always found a way to brighten my day.”

Ms. Stephenson’s influence has reached staff members, many of whom she has developed long-lasting friendships with through her optimistic attitude. “[She] is passionate about seeing us be the best possible educators we can be, supporting her students in reaching high levels of success, and infusing her teaching with a level of energy and humor that you won’t find anywhere else,” says staff member Mr. Goebel.

Paying attention to the little things, Ms. Stephenson continuously finds solutions to support and mentor her coworkers. “Last year, I casually mentioned during a department meeting that I was having some connectivity issues in my classroom,” Mr. Goebel (S) recalls. “Because Ms. Stephenson is always listening and truly cares about us, she immediately offered to get me an Apple TV for my classroom to help remedy the problem.”

Her impact is not measured by grand gestures but by the acts of kindness she provides when others aren’t watching. “Sometimes, she stays during lunch or after school to answer students’ questions or grade assignments and tests so we can get feedback quickly. It really shows that she genuinely cares about our learning and is willing to put in extra time to help us succeed,” shares senior Emily Dai.

YLHS teacher Mr. Hipwell (S) affirms, “She has the capacity to see the good in people and situations. You know she’s going to be there to support you with advice, a joke, or a conversation.”

While Ms. Stephenson is deeply devoted to campus life, her involvement extends beyond the 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. schedule. Constantly committed to uplifting school spirit, she can be seen in the stands of school sporting events, cheering on the school’s student athletes, many of whom are also her students.

“One day I’ll never forget is when she showed up at one of my football games,” Nagin shares. “She was right on the sideline, cheering louder than everyone else … she’s one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had, and I truly hope she’s able to come back, so future students can experience the same light she gave to all of us.”

According to staff member Mr. Hipwell, Ms. Stephenson is someone who brings a lot of enthusiasm to her class, a school dance isn’t a school dance if she is not present and dancing to the Cha-Cha Slide. She is recognized as the life of the party by her colleague Mrs. Phillips. Students and staff members had the delight of seeing her roller skate across the gym floor during the teachers’ dance routine a few years ago, creating a lasting memory for many.

Although her fight against cancer has had its struggles, Ms. Stephenson’s son, sister, mom, and close family friends have offered their committed support, followed closely by the people she has met and worked with in PYLUSD. Due to the financial stress the cost of treatment has caused for her family, YLHS Principal Dr. Bird Potter began a GoFundMe for the community to contribute.

Thus far, Ms. Stephenson has received generous donations, as well as several cards and social media posts, all of which, she states, “have left [her] in tears.”

Building a supportive community for patients during this critical time, while fostering a deep understanding of what cancer patients must endure, is crucial. Like many other patients, Ms. Stephenson is more than just a statistic–she is a teacher, mother, friend, and “a passionate advocate for both her students and colleagues,” as staff member Dr. Potter describes.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Ms. Stephenson’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the perseverance and quiet strength that exist within the patients of our community. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, affecting over 2.3 million individuals yearly.

In the United States, decades of advocacy and awareness have contributed to a 44% decline in breast cancer mortality since 1989, as stated by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In celebration of this month, we honor Ms. Stephenson and her remarkable journey in the fight against cancer.

As Ms. Stephenson delves into the third month since her diagnosis, her story continues to serve as a reminder that strength is not just found through medicine and perseverance, but also in connection and optimism.

Dr. Potter reflects upon the lessons Ms. Stephenson has inspired in teaching and life, stating, “She teaches all of us … to embrace life fully, to support one another, and to dance through every challenge with the same enthusiasm she brings to the dance floor. Whether in the classroom, the stands, or in the hearts and minds of those impacted, Ms. Stephenson continues to inspire the Yorba Linda High community.”

Moments of kindness and Ms. Stephenson’s enthusiastic willingness to help others in need may go unnoticed beyond the walls of her classroom. Nevertheless, they define her as a teacher whose care is not just expressed in test scores, but also in actions, reminding students that kindness does not need to be eye-catching to leave a lasting mark.

This story was originally published on The Wrangler on October 15, 2025.