A VOICE FOR THE BULLIED
Gabrielle Ford’s Bio
Gabrielle Ford, one of the most sought after anti-bullying speakers in the United States, resides in Fenton Michigan with her family, her coonhound Izzy, canine friends Lindsey Bell and Dominic and feline friends Sweetie and Bob.
After eight years of studying ballet, Gabe’s dream of becoming a prima ballerina came to an abrupt halt when she was diagnosed with a rare genetic neuromuscular disease called: Friedreich’s Ataxia (F.A.).
Victimized by school bullies, Gabe became severely depressed after graduating from high school. Afraid of running into those who had bullied her down through the years, she was unwilling to leave her home. It wasn’t until her coonhound Izzy came into her life that she found the courage to live again.
Although Gabe’s dream of being a professional dancer will never be realized, she has been given a new dream. Her willingness to expose the life long effect bulling has had on her is impacting the hearts and lives of thousands. Her spirit dances on every time she appears before an assembly. By encouraging kids across the country to make amends, and stop bullying now, she believes formerly bullied kids will grow into adulthood with a better sense of self worth.
Gabe and Izzy’s story was initially chronicled on Animal Planet, A Pet Story. Then three years after the filming Izzy began displaying symptoms similar to Gabe’s and was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease. They were featured on the cover of Jerry Lewis’s MDA Quest Magazine with a recent appearance on The Today Show. Currently Cosmopolitan magazine is doing an article and they continue to appear in magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information please visit www.gabeandizzy.com
Gabrielle and her co-author Donna Rhine are currently working on her life story, which is slated for release by the end of 2008.
Gabe welcomes you to visit her website for your school or group bookings at www.gabeandizzy.com
By Donna Rhine
