Schools

Motivational Speaker at Middle Schools

West Bloomfield Youth Assistance and the Optimist Club of West Bloomfield have sponsored Motivational Speaker and Author Gabrielle Ford to speak to middle school students at both West Bloomfield School District middle schools on Thursday, November 17 about bullying. Gabrielle 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. Her 2009 autobiography Still Dancing shares even more of 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. A rare genetic neuromuscular disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia, which would eventually place her in a wheelchair, shattered that dream. Gabe not only struggled with the devastation of the illness, but also 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 her school visits, she has also been a keynote speaker at conferences and conventions. Her dedication earned her the 2011 Communications & Leadership Award from Toastmasters International as well as the Community Hero Award in 2008 from the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Gabrielle Ford’s inspirational message has helped parents, teachers, schools and communities across the country fight bullying head on.

Thursday Agenda:

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  • Prior to Gabe’s visit, the schools received a DVD to review -- Animal Planet's TV Pet Story, “Izzy and Gabe” (25 minutes) as an introduction to Gabe and Izzy’s amazing journey. The story teaches empathy, understanding and compassion, elements Gabe believes are missing in kids who habitually bully. The story introduces students to their speaker and gives them time to process bullying’s impact before the presentation day.
  • Meet Gabe. Gabe shares her experiences as a bullying survivor and how she and Izzy have traveled together for more than eight years to educate communities about bullying. Gabe's presentation focuses on accepting others’ differences and the long-term effect bullying can have on its targets. It’s not unusual for students to apologize to those they have bullied after the assembly.
  • Questions and Answers. After Gabe’s presentation, audience members will have a chance to ask specific questions regarding situations they have faced. Gabe will customize her advice to those challenges facing a particular school or community.
  • Video (3.37 minutes). Attendees will view a video summary of Gabe and Izzy’s presentations at schools and conferences throughout the country.
  • A Mother’s Perspective. Rhonda Kay Hillman, Gabe's mother, will share how bullying impacts the parent of a bullied child.
  • Saying Hello. To close the assembly, students will line up single file to say "Hello" to Gabe in person. Many will share stories and ask her questions face-to-face that they couldn’t voice in front of their fellow students and teachers.


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