‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter”

-Christina Aguilera

 

 

Understanding inflammatory type diseases:  Inflammation is the body’s response to fighting off harmful things.  It could be an injury, infection, or something toxic.  In Gabby’s case, she is always on 

Her body is confused. This is called IBD or (Inflammatory bowel disease)  not to be confused with the very common IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) which is not an inflammatory condition/disease.  IBD is an umbrella covering both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  Both Crohn’s and colitis are characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.  IBD is a “ninja” of sorts, because the symptoms often stealth like to the outside world.  Patients often look totally normal to friends and family, but behind the scenes they are struggling with abdominal pain, fatigue, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, and persistent uncontrollable trips to the bathroom. Its cause is unknown, but Doctors do know it’s the result of a defective immune system.  Essentially Gabby’s immune system is attacking itself causing the inflammation .

 

 

 

A New Chapter, Defined by Purpose and Hope

There is no cure—yet. So we focus on helping Gabby live as comfortably and fully as possible, while holding onto the belief that a cure will be discovered in her lifetime. Hope isn’t passive in our house; it’s something we work toward every day.

Those closest to our family know how profoundly Gabby’s diagnosis reshaped our lives. For two decades, the Kumite Classic was a 24/7, year-round mission—one of the largest and most respected independent martial arts tournaments in North America. It was part of my identity, but it never defined who I am. Family comes first. I made the decision to step away from promoting the Kumite Classic until Gabby reaches remission. One day, I hope she’ll choose to reignite that torch in her own way. For now, I coach, teach, and travel when her health allows. It’s a new chapter in a very long book.

Today, Gabby receives regular biologic infusions at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Her doctors are compassionate, skilled, and deeply committed to her care. Each treatment takes three to four hours, often requiring her to miss school. The infusions are physically draining and mentally exhausting—but she shows up every time.

From Patient to Advocate

Living with IBD doesn’t end with medical treatment. Insurance hurdles, red tape, and staggering costs place an enormous burden on families. The annual price of Gabby’s medication can reach tens of thousands of dollars, depending on frequency. It’s frustrating, and it’s wrong. Instead of accepting the status quo, we chose to fight back—constructively.

Gabby has been invited to join a national advocacy effort to raise awareness and push for change. Beginning this spring, she will lobby on behalf of pediatric IBD patients who face limited access to life-saving treatments. She’ll share her story in Washington, D.C., meeting with legislators to urge stronger support for research, access, and policy reform. As part of this effort, she will attend the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation “Day on the Hill,” participating in advocacy training, policy forums, and direct meetings with members of Congress. Her goal is simple but powerful: be part of the solution.

Turning Adversity into Action

As a family, we decided early on to turn this diagnosis into a teaching moment. We don’t ignore the hardship—we transform it. We approach IBD the same way we train in the dojo: with discipline, grit, and relentless determination. Gabby fights every day, and in doing so, she inspires others to fight too. This disease will not define her dreams or limit her goals. There will be setbacks—but setbacks create comebacks.

Over the years, we’ve made countless emergency trips to hospitals and urgent care facilities. She was even hospitalized during a major national championship after nearly collapsing during a severe flare. That moment cost her results—but it didn’t cost her resolve. She chose not to spiral. She doubled down. Soon after, she returned to competition and victory.

But wins aren’t the point.

What matters is showing up—again and again—when it would be easier to quit. Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, incremental, and hard-earned. We call it Kaizen (改善): continuous improvement. One percent better every day. That’s our philosophy. That’s our path forward.

Often times people associate martial arts as a rough-and-tumble sport dominated by male competitors, but Gabby Viola is shattering the stereotype.  9-year-old Gabby was recently honored by the national karate media and their peers with nationwide “People’s Choice Awards.”  Point Fighter Live is one the most popular media outlets in North America for the sport and recognized the top athletes.

Gabby Viola was nominated as “Competitor of the Year” by Point Fighter Live.  The honor, dubbed as a “Power Award” was voted on by coaches, competitors, and promoters from across North America.  After a nationwide poll, Viola not only won her category (edging out a talented competitor from El Paso, Texas) but was the highest vote total of the show. The physical award will be presented this April in Warwick, Rhode Island at the Ocean State Grand Nationals.

When asked about the recognition Gabby said,

“I’m really happy.  I hope this helps get me to Japan!”

Gabby

She’s on a mission to fund raise to watch her Idol Sandra Sanchez from Spain compete for a gold medal  at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. *UPDATE (now that the Pandemic has cancelled the Olympics, we hope to attend in 2020)  Gabby had the opportunity to train with Sanchez in Orlando, Florida this past July. When she’s not competing, she loves playing piano, dance, and teaching her 2-year-old brother karate. 

Throughout the long season, Gabby traveled to Illinois, California, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey and Canada to compete.  The honors are based on an entire year’s body of work.  

Gabby Viola is a member of Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo which recently celebrated its 50-Year Anniversary.  The Dojo was honored with a proclamation from County Executive Rich Fitzgerald who recognized “Sensei Viola Day” on September 23^rd 2019 for the Pittsburgh region.  Sensei Bill Viola Sr. has 4 daughters, all of whom have earned their black belts.  His Granddaughter Gabby and all the up and coming Senpai and Sensei (Lucy, Sammy, Taylor, Zoey, Haley, Abby, Riley) carry on the tradition of strong inspiring ladies from the dojo!

he team is gearing up for the 2020 WKC World Championships held in Madrid, Spain and fundraising to visit Tokyo, Japan and attend the 2020 Olympics .  For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com  

FYI

Gabby Viola began training at just 2-years-old and was the inspiration of the Nursery Ninjas program at Allegheny Shotokan Karate. She made her competition debut at the 2013 Kumite Classic and has since competed in over 100 tournaments across North America. In 2015 she won her first Grand Champion, and later that year was the youngest competitor at the World Games. She is a multiple time PKRA State Champion, USKA National Champion, WKC National Champion, and consistent champion on the NASKA World Tour. She is a 3rd generation Viola to carry on the family legacy. Gabby is committed to community service, and has been a top fundraiser to “Kick Parkinson’s Disease” a charity her father helped establish in memory of their Grandmother.

Gabby would also like to send this positive vibes and energy out to her Allegheny Shotokan dojo brothers who also suffer from GI complications: Sensei Conor Burns, Sensei Dave Zezza, and Senpai Mike Pietrzyk