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.
