CONTACT:
Contact Rhonda Hillman 810-373-4043

NATIONALLY RENOWNED ANTI-BULLYING ADVOCATE
TO MARCH IN AMERICA'S THANKSGIVING PARADE

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER GABRIELLE FORD SPREADS MESSAGE

AT 85^th ANNUAL PARADE

Detroit, (1 November 2011). Gabrielle Ford, renowned anti-bullying speaker, will march in the 85^th annual America's Thanksgiving Parade, one of the nation's longest-running parades, Thursday, November 24, 2011.

Ford is perfectly matched to this year's parade, given its theme: So Much to Believe In. Alongside the community leaders and celebrities, Ford will help bring exposure to her hopeful anti-bullying message. She will ride on a float as America's Voice For the Bullied with a school bus of children behind her. She will ride in front of hundreds of thousands of parade-goers at 9:20 a.m. on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. The nationally broadcast parade will be aired locally in metro Detroit on WDIV Local 4 and WJR 760 AM.

Ford never dreamed that a long-eared coonhound could change her life. But that's just what happened when she cared for her ailing pet Izzy and found the voice to help others in need as a nationally-known motivational speaker. Today Gabe's incredible story has drawn media attention from The Today Show, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Animal Planet, among others.  In her 2009 autobiography, STILL DANCING and in schools across the country, she shares the inspirational details from her life as a way to encourage others that anything is possible.

As a child, Gabrielle loved dance and dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. That dream was shattered by a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, Friedreich's Ataxia, that would eventually place her in a wheelchair. Gabe not only struggled with the devastation of the illness, but endured constant and cruel bullying from classmates. The constant torment took her on a path of depression and isolation.

That all changed when Izzy, a long-eared coonhound pup, entered Gabe's life. Izzy became Gabe's best friend and constant companion. When this special friend mysteriously developed a condition mirroring Gabe's, Gabe re-entered the world to get Izzy the best treatment available.

Speaking out for the voiceless Izzy gave her the courage to speak out for another voiceless group: the thousands of children bullied in American schools every day. Through countless personal trials, Gabe found her way back to the stage as an outspoken advocate against school bullying. In addition to reaching thousands of students in schools across the country, she has been a keynote speaker at various conferences such as the Michigan Reading Association's Annual Convention in 2010 and the International Reading Association's Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona in 2009. Her dedication has even earned her honors from community groups. Genesee County Community For Peace honored Gabe with the Gandhi Peace Maker of the Year Award 2011-2012. Toastmasters International granted her the 2011 Communications and Leadership Award and she earned the Community Hero Award in 2008 from the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER AND AUTHOR:

Gabrielle Ford resides in Fenton Michigan with her family, canine friends Lindsey Bell and Dominic, and feline friends Sweetie and Bob. For more information on Gabe, to book an appearance, or to purchase her book, please visit www.gabeandizzy.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

STILL DANCING is a rallying cry for recognizing bullying's lifetime impact and nurturing the self-worth of every child. Packed with fun and poignant anecdotes from Gabe's adventures - such as bargaining with her family for a new pet and exploring New York City in a wheelchair - her story is sure to bring smiles and inspiration.

STILL DANCING
Still Dancing: One Dream, One Dog, One Stage
Ridding the World of Bullies One School at a Time
Gabrielle Ford
Gabe and Izzy Publishing
November 2009 / Hardcover / Original / Non-Fiction
$24.99 / ISBN-13-978-0-984176-0-5
Author Residence: Fenton, Michigan

Dear Gabe: 

My son, Jon, and wife, Leslie, had the privilege of hearing you speak, meeting you, and getting a copy of your book while you were at Immaculata Catholic School.  I read your book in one evening with tears in my eyes, but great hope for the future.  I could connect with you and your story on so many levels:

1.    I experienced bullying while in High School.

2.    I act to prevent bullying in the Boy Scouts.  We do not tolerate bullying either!

3.    I am a veterinarian and love dogs - especially cute Coon Hounds.

4.    My daughter, Meredith, has FascioScapuloHumeral (FSH) muscular dystrophy and danced since she was 3 years old until 10^th grade.  After having great difficulty dancing, she was allowed to take 9^th grade dance class in 10^th grade, but finally had to give up dancing as she could no longer complete routines and her falls became more serious (she received many stitches, but has great courage!).

5.    Your references to God and prayers in the book (we are Christians).

6.    Your hope for a better world (without bullies) - one school at a time.

I can't tell you how proud I am of what you have accomplished.  I see things from a better perspective now from having read your book.  I also take very much to heart what your mother says - to paraphrase - "Make the most of each day!"  She is a remarkable woman.

May God continue to bless you, your family, and your "ministry."  You remain in my prayers.

With the utmost respect,
Ray

By - Sarah Ward, Contributing Writer (March 17, 2011)

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"...not true. Not true at all, as Gabrielle Ford and her devoted dog Dina stressed to students when they visited Lakeland last week to share their story. Gabe was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia (a rare muscular disorder that affects the muscles, heart, speech and gait) at the age of 12. Prior to the diagnosis, Gabe was a typical preteen girl, participating in sports and activities such as golf, soccer and dance, her favorite activity. But Gabe began to notice that something was not quite right, she started to lose her sense of balance, to stumble at times and her left foot began turning out slightly.

It is hard enough facing the general challenges of being a preteen girl as there are so many things to be concerned about, and changing schools during this time proved to be yet another challenge confronting Gabe. At her new school, she was met with more negative experiences than positive ones. She experienced people knocking her books out of her hands, being pushed, kicked and constantly teased. One boy in particular bullied her on a daily basis. This torture continued, and Gabe told no one. She figured it would simply stop one day. Finally, her mother noticed bruises on her legs and asked Gabe where they came from. She tried to fib about it at first, but her mother persisted and eventually the truth came out. Gabe and her mother promptly scheduled a visit with the principal, and from there, the situation became somewhat diffused. The bully and Gabe eventually found a way to get along, but it was not a typical friendship, merely one that seemed to exist.
In high school, Gabe continued to experience problems. As her disease progressed, her visible symptoms made her an easy target. As graduation day drew near, she became excited and nervous all at once. Her biggest fear came true as she was handed her diploma on the stage at the ceremony. She fell. She lay there for a few moments knowing that she had to get up. With all of her courage, she slowly pulled herself up, and got to her seat.

The much-anticipated all-night senior party was fast approaching and her anxiety facing the class after her fall consumed her. And for good reason, she was teased horribly that night. Gabe plummeted into a deep depression. She refused to leave the house, became rude and treated her loved ones in a terrible manner. Her depression continued until one day she asked for a dog. Her mother explained that when you own a dog, you have to take care of it, much like caring for a child. You have to take the dog to the vet and out for walks.

With that, "Izzy," a goofy, velvet-eared coonhound came into Gabe's life... and changed it in many ways. Coincidentally, Izzy began to show similar muscular problems to Gabe, which resulted in extra medical care and a heightened awareness of her special concerns. Eventually, Gabe decided to change other people's lives by sharing her story. She travels the country spreading the message that "bullying is a choice." She has appeared on "Animal Planet" and the "Today Show." Sadly, Izzy passed away a few years ago and "Dina" (also a coon-hound) has joined forces with Gabe. Her inspirational book, Still Dancing, is a tell-all of her personal journey to rise above all the heartache and pain that she has experienced and her will to rid the world of bullies, one school at a time. For more information visit www.gabeandizzy.com.

*According to the American Justice Department, each month, one out of every four children will be bullied by another youth. The Elk Rapids Schools have a strong Anti-Bullying Policy that continues to be enforced by school administrators and staff.

Gabe gives fifth grade student, Jacqueline Finch, a hug as the students leave the gym. Photos by Dre Photography

      I found the book "Still Dancing" to be more than I was expecting. It was truly inspirational and clearly a much deeper and richer story experience then I thought I was going to get. The authors Gabrielle Ford and Donna Rhine have presented the life experiences of a young woman along with her dog - who manages to fight back at disease, bullies and at times some emotionally stressing times in her life.

There are multi-layered pieces to this book but the underlying issues are about self-confidence and overcoming roadblocks that keep getting thrown at Gabrielle and her family. Certainly her mother is also a true hero in this accounting, as she had to deal with so many life tests from personal health issues to a suicide in her family - while being there for her own daughter's needs.

The issue of school bullies and growing up are the backbone of the book but it is so much more than just that. It is also about the love of a dog, friendships, family, hope and inspiration. Gabielle and her dog Izzy have touched so many lives.

I strongly recommend this book for all readers in the family. This book is one of those books that will make you feel better afterwards even though you might find yourself tearful while reading parts of it. I have nominated this book for one of the annual awards from "The American Author's Association". I believe that it is that good. Go buy a copy of this book NOW!

W. H. McDonald Jr. President of the "The American Author Association"

1. Bullying survivor sends message to students

   Daily Mining Gazette/Kelly Fosness Gabrielle "Gabe" Ford speaks to more than 400 students in grades ... The Daily Mining Gazette. P.O. Box 368 , Houghton, MI 49931 | 906-482 ...

   www.mininggazette.com/page/content.detail/id/512322.html - Cached

Overcoming adversity always makes a good story, but a local woman has overcome both physical and emotional scars, and championing a cause to keep it from continuing.

Gabrielle Ford was diagnosed with a neurological disorder at 12 years old. But dealing with her disability was nothing compared to the bullying that followed.

She was punched, ridiculed; students through things at her, and it happened here at Lake Fenton.

Gabrielle Ford says, "I hadn't been in the building since I graduated, and I didn't ever want to go back."

That's because was 12 years ago she tripped during her graduation ceremony. Humiliated, she hid inside her home for a year.

It was a dog named Izzy that brought her back out of her shell. The dog drove her out of depression and in front of thousands.

Gabe started attending at Lake Fenton Schools in the 8th grade. Many of the students who listened to her speak are the same age. It's a presentation that almost didn't happen. She was fearful of the memories that were still in the building. But Thursday, she conquered those memories.

Her mother, Rhonda Hillman, says "It's healing. It feels very good. I know that next time we drive past Lake Fenton Middle School, which was formerly the high school, that Gabe won't cringe and have bad feelings. She'll have wonderful memories that she was the hero today."

A hero, whose message is hitting home.

Eighth grader Paula Valacek says, "You should be the better person. You shouldn't talk bad about people."

Eighth grader Kristen Cody says, "I think it was really great that she came to our school and did this. I know it was hard for her."

Sixth grader Dakota Holzwarth says, "If you bully someone, then you're going to regret doing that."

Gabe shied away from pep assemblies when she attended Lake Fenton, not wanting to be pointed out. But Thursday, it was her turn, not to do the cheering, but the receiving.

The crowd stood and cheered for Gabe, her message, and her mission.

Gabe used to dodge crowds, now she's attracting them across the country. She once felt like the most unpopular kid in school. But now, she's the one with the most friends.

Prior to her diagnosis, she loved to dance.

Now she's found a better way to do it.

Gabe's book, entitled "Still Dancing" is available at her website. Click the link below to check it out.

by Eric Fish | The Flint Journal

Wednesday June 24, 2009, 8:45 AM

FENTON, Michigan -- Gabrielle Ford hopes when people read her book, "Still Dancing," they'll laugh and be entertained. Above all, she hopes readers will be moved by her life story.

Ford, 29, of Fenton is a nationally recognized public speaker who visits schools around the country speaking about the long-term effects of bullying. Ford knows this from personal experience -- she was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, a neuromuscular disease, at the age of 12, causing her speech to slur and limiting her mobility.

"Still Dancing" was released this month and covers everything from Ford's life as a child, to experiencing teasing and insults related to her disease in high school, to how she befriended her loyal coonhound companion Izzy and started public speaking.

"I didn't want to do anything related with speaking," Ford said. "Basically anything in public, I kind of shied away from. It was Izzy that brought me out into the public."

Ford was forced to care for Izzy and accompany her to veterinarian appointments when it was discovered that the dog had muscular dystrophy -- a symptom common to Ford's neuromuscular disease. A feature on Animal Planet helped launch Ford's speaking career.

"Many kids have been bullied, and there are many kids that are diagnosed with various diseases, but there's only one Izzy dog," said Rhonda Hillman, Ford's mother. "I think that's what makes Gabe's story so unique. They both had the muscle disease, they both understood each other, they both leaned on each other."

Izzy died at age 9 in May.

In addition to Ford and Izzy's story, the book contains pictures and letters from children. Ford hopes to eventually follow "Still Dancing" by writing children's books on anti-bullying.

Ford will be on hand Saturday at the Fenton Community Center following the Freedom Festival parade to sign copies of "Still Dancing." Copies can also be purchased through her Web site or by calling Hillman and Ford at (810) 373-4043. The book will be available in major book stores in September. Books ordered through the Web site will come autographed by Ford.

          Ben, Izzy's brother, who was known as the yellow boy passed away this morning.

            When Izzy started to get really sick about a month ago, Ben started to get sick around that time. This Saturday he was fine, playing and running around. Sunday evening is when he got really sick.

            I was told he had pneumonia and a collapsed lung. He barely made it through the night but he did. This morning my mom was on the phone with Chris aka Grandma Hooker ... and she told me that Ben had passed away.

            We released a light pink balloon for Izzy and a yellow balloon for Ben. While they were flying away in the air, one of them was higher and far away from the other ... then they got close and it looked like they touched! I believe it was Ben's balloon catching up to Izzy's.

            It reminds me in a way of 'Where the Red Fern Grows' ... which happens to be about  brother and sister coonhounds! Where one sibling dies and the one left misses them so much, they die shortly after.

            I love you "my Benjamin." Take care of my little girl ... I know you are. You are both with your mom & dad running and playing like you did as puppies.

Before Gabe received her dog, she was told by her mom Rhonda, she would have to be responsible for her in every way, since it was Gabe's dog.  When Izzy was about 5 months old she was diagnosed with portal systemic shunt, a life threatening liver disease. Since Gabe was responsible for her care, she had to go to the vet's office and talk with them. This forced Gabe out of her house. After years of being bullied and abused in high school, Gabe resorted to hiding in her house and refrained from going in public. Izzy's illness slowly drew Gabe out of her home. After generous donations from local and distant patrons and veterinarians, Izzy got the help she needed. The vets helping Izzy didn't expect her to live past 1 year. Since she has surpassed that life expectancy, they called her "a miracle."

An article that was written about Izzy and Gabe's fight to help save her caught the attention of Animal Planet, the national television channel.  Their story 'Izzy & Gabe' aired on the segment A Pet Story. It was aired over 68 times within 4 years and became the viewers favorite 'A Pet Story.' A comment made in that show helped launch Gabe into speaking out about bullying all around the nation in school, etc. 3 years after 'A Pet Story' Izzy was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. This diagnosis was very similar to Gabe's childhood diagnoses of Friedreich's ataxia, a rare form of neuromuscular disease. The new diagnosis brought Gabe out into the public once again.

Since then Gabe & Izzy's story has been chronicled in Jerry Lewis's MDA Quest magazine, which the duo is featured on the front cover. They've also been in the AKC's Family Dog and Gazette, the world wide magazines Cosmopolitan and Guidepost, several newspaper articles, television and radio interviews, the Today show which aired in March '08 and is currently viewable at www.gabeandizzy.com. Gabe & Izzy's life story and journey together will be released as a memoir called 'Still Dancing' due out in June.  

Izzy was 9½years old and her muscular dystrophy had progressed beyond manageable help. She was put to rest on Monday May 18^th, 2009.

Izzy has touched hundreds of thousands of lives around the world wither her story and long velvety ears. I want to thank the myriad students for their thoughts and prayers. 

Over the years Gabe and her family acquired 3 more canine family members. Dominic, LindseyBelle and recently Jack Sparrow. The two feline members are Bob and Sweetie. They all have been part of her lively hood.

Izzy's legendary life and her 'No School Bullying/Anti Violence" message will continue to live on and help others.