Meet Gabriel
Gabriel's Angels exists to celebrate Gabriel and to safeguard his future with care, dignity, and lasting support.
About Gabriel
Gabriel Tempest
Born in 2002 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, Gabriel Tempest (Gerard F. Tempest, III) was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at age two. He is currently a Junior at UNC Charlotte pursuing a degree in Business Administration, and lives a life deeply focused on faith, community, and purpose.
Gabriel lost his father at age ten in 2013. His mother raised him and his sister without in-state family support, coordinating all of his student caregivers throughout his schooling. His mother was 40 years old when Gabriel was born.
A Catholic Christian, Gabriel stays active in his faith through the Thomistic Institute, Duke Fons Vitae, Opus Dei, and Graduate Student Bible Study. He volunteers at Catholic Charities Food Pantry in Durham and is known for his warmth, sharp mind, and genuine love of people.
He is working toward completing calculus and earning his Business Administration degree by 2029, with a goal of gaining employment.
Gabriel at a Glance
Who He Is
Faith
Catholic Christian. Active in Thomistic Institute, Duke Fons Vitae, Opus Dei, Graduate Student Bible Study, and Catholic Charities Food Pantry volunteer.
Sports
Carolina Football & Basketball, Duke Football & Basketball, Notre Dame Football, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, and Phillies Baseball.
Interests
Sports, politics, faith, travel, and reading. He loves being around people and can hold a conversation with just about anyone.
Work & School
UNC Farm Pool Attendant, Brodie Recreation Center Guest Services Attendant. Junior at UNC Charlotte, Business Administration. Coram Deo Award recipient at Trinity School of Durham-Chapel Hill.
Camino Journey
Trekking the Camino De Santiago
Gabriel completed a three-part journey along the Camino De Santiago in Spain — one of the most demanding pilgrimage routes in the world. What made it meaningful was not just the pilgrimage itself, but the years of planning, organization, and fundraising behind it.
2018 — The First Step
Gabriel began the Camino in 2018, turning a high-school inspiration into real action. He organized and fundraised to make the trip possible.
2019 — The Return
He returned in 2019 to continue the pilgrimage, building on the momentum and meaning of the first journey.
2022 — The Finish
In 2022, Gabriel completed the trail — bringing to conclusion a goal that had taken years of effort, preparation, and support.
A Lasting Accomplishment
The Camino captures who Gabriel is: someone who sets an ambitious goal, does the work, and doesn't stop until the mission is finished.
Roadblocks & Hurdles
A System That Wasn't Built for Gabriel
Gabriel is intellectually capable but physically disabled — and that puts him in a gap the system rarely acknowledges.
An Outlier in the System
NC Medicaid Innovations Waiver largely serves people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Gabriel — intellectually capable but physically disabled — is often placed into settings with peers and resources that don't reflect his abilities or life goals.
Benefits That Punish Progress
Benefits are reduced if Gabriel earns more than $20K per year or ever has more than $2K in checking. He would need to make more than $300K per year to pay for his supports out of pocket.
Limited Non-Medical Funding
Essential services like accessible transportation, personal care, adaptive technology, and home modifications are underfunded, capped, or inaccessible through government programs.
No Integrated Planning
Systems rarely coordinate housing, employment, transportation, and health supports holistically — limiting long-term life planning. Short-term budget cycles make it worse.
Independence
Current Reality vs. What's Possible
With your support, Gabriel's day-to-day life transforms from a system of shortfalls into a life of genuine independence.
Current
Housing
Government-funded group home through Medicaid Innovations Waiver. Lives with an intellectually disabled 40-year-old male. No modifications to support independent movement.
Transportation
Reliant on friends, Uber, and caregivers. Usually requires days of advance planning to schedule pickup. Staff is unreliable.
Caregiving
Qualifies for 24/7 care. Current caregiver available only 8 hrs a day. Numerous shortfalls in accountability and oversight.
Future
Housing
"Supportive Living" in a home or apartment for himself, a roommate of his choosing, or a live-in caregiver. A place to dwell peacefully, study, sleep, eat, pray, and thrive.
Transportation
Ability to hire private pay disability transportation. Freedom to meet co-workers, friends, and family where they are.
Caregiving
24/7 exceptional care provided by supportive, motivated staff along with assistive technology. Hygiene, food, and daily needs fully met.
Dignity
"People with disabilities are human beings with rights and dignity."
— Ban Ki-moonBy contributing to Gabriel's Angels Supplemental Needs Trust, you are helping Gabriel thrive in his own home environment — one that supports his full mental capabilities, independence, and ensures he has all the resources to meet his life goals.
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Hear Gabriel's Story
Follow Gabriel's journey through his podcast appearance and social media presence.
The Camino Cafe Podcast
Hear Gabriel tell his story in his own words on The Camino Cafe Podcast.
Pilgrims Journey
Follow Gabriel's journey on Facebook at @pilgrimsjrny.