BROOKLYN, MI -- Gabrielle Ford was a victim of bullying during her high school years in Fenton. At a young age, she was diagnosed with a disease that affected her speech and ability to walk correctly. Due to these impediments, Ford became a target for school bullying and harassment. The torture haunted her for most of her young life, even to the point where she refused to leave her home. After several years, her parents bought her a pet dog. Through this new friend, she was able to cope with her inabilities and find strength to make it through tough times.
Now, Ford uses her experiences to go around Michigan to teach children the impact bullying has on people. In early June, ford went back to her Alma Mater. By sharing her story with students across the state, Ford says she hopes to prevent other children from feeling the way she did all throughout her life. She also hopes to make kids realize that their words go further than they realize, and can have absolutely devastating effects on people’s lives.
When No. 37 Extenze Racing Driver Kevin Conway and the Michigan International Speedway heard about Ford’s story through NBC25, they decided to honor her at this week’s events.
Conway says he’s glad to award Ford for her role as a leader in today’s schools. He says, "its one of the coolest parts of the whole Extenze Racing program because we've been able to meet some true American heroes throughout the year. A lot of times people look at a race car driver and say 'that’s my hero,' but we're not heroes, we just go out and put on a great show for the fans."
At the MIS Friday, Gabrielle Ford described her new-found popularity. She said, "I'm getting a lot more exposure. People are going to see me. Possibly they've never seen or heard of me before. They're going to know me and read about my story, hopefully."
