Synopses & Reviews
The moving, true story of the young woman dubbed The Voice of Americas Bullied”; how her bond with her dog, Izzy, changed her life; and their mission to help break the cycle of bullying.
In middle school, Gabrielle Gabe” Ford developed a degenerative muscle disease, and was harassed by bullies as a result. She did her best to keep her head high, but it wasnt easy. Then Gabe got a dog, Izzy, who developed an uncannily similar disorder. They were invited to appear on Animal Planet to talk about their bond, which in turn led to an invitation to speak at a school. And so began Gabes career as an anti-bullying advocate. Dubbed The Voice of Americas Bullied” by the Huffington Post, Gabe now makes a career of public speaking and has received numerous honors for her hard work. Here is her amazing storyfrom her lowest days dealing with various challenges, to the unbelievable and immediate bond with Izzy, to her ongoing mission to put an end to bullying, one school at a time.
Includes resources and tips for readers, plus a color insert of photographs!
Review
andquot;Handpicked and heartfelt essays from contributors famous and obscure, gay and straight.andquot;
Review
andquot;A masterstroke . . . revolutionary.andquot;
Synopsis
Every story can change a life.
Growing up isn't easy. Many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, and this is especially true for LGBT kids and teens. In response to a number of tragic suicides by LGBT students, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage uploaded a video to YouTube with his partner, Terry Miller. Speaking openly about the bullying they suffered, and how they both went on to lead rewarding adult lives, their video launched the It Gets Better Project YouTube channel and initiated a worldwide phenomenon.
It Gets Better is a collection of original essays and expanded testimonials written to teens from celebrities, political leaders, and everyday people, because while many LGBT teens can't see a positive future for themselves, we can.
Synopsis
The moving, true story of the young woman dubbed The Voice of Americas Bullied”; how her bond with her dog, Izzy, changed her life; and their mission to help break the cycle of bullying. In middle school, Gabrielle Gabe” Ford developed a degenerative muscle disease, and was harassed by bullies as a result. She did her best to keep her head high, but it wasnt easy. Then Gabe got a dog, Izzy, who developed an uncannily similar disorder. They were invited to appear on Animal Planet to talk about their bond, which in turn led to an invitation to speak at a school. And so began Gabes career as an anti-bullying advocate. Dubbed The Voice of Americas Bullied” by the Huffington Post, Gabe now makes a career of public speaking and has received numerous honors for her hard work. Here is her amazing storyfrom her lowest days dealing with various challenges, to the unbelievable and immediate bond with Izzy, to her ongoing mission to put an end to bullying, one school at a time.
Includes resources and tips for readers, plus a color insert of photographs!
About the Author
Gabrielle Ford never dreamed that a long-eared coonhound could change her life. But thats 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 Gabes 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. That dream was shattered by a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, Friedreichs Ataxia, that would eventually place her in a wheelchair. 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 Gabes life. Izzy became Gabes best friend and constant companion. When this special friend mysteriously developed a condition mirroring Gabes, 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 countless school visits, she has also been a keynote speaker at various conferences and conventions, and has earned many honors.
Gabe now makes numerous appearances each year with her new dog ILO (Izzy Lives On). She lives with her family in Melbourne, Florida.
Connect with Gabe at: www.gabeandizzy.com
Facebook: GabenIzzy
Twitter: @GabeandIzzy