Hometown Hero: Gabrielle Ford

Fenton resident humbly gives hope, inspiration and new perspective to lives across the nation.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in 2012. It is just one example of the many people making a difference in Fenton. She wanted to overcome the torture of other students teasing her, spit wads being thrown at her and the debilitating disease that weakened her. Gabrielle ‘Gabe’ Ford refused to use a wheelchair despite her stuggles to walk and wanted to move across the stage for her 1998 Lake Fenton High School graduation on her own two legs. When she went to do it, however, she fell and many students laughed. Ford, now 31, said that moment was a pivotal one in her life. She blamed herself and decided to become a hermit - rarely venturing from her room. The one escape she had, dancing, was no longer a possibility. Her rare …

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Meet Author Gabrielle Ford at Fenton's Open Book

The Fenton resident will talk about "Still Dancing" and standing up to bullies Saturday, March 23.

Torrential Rain Hits Fenton, Rose Township Man Survives Scary Crash

As usual, there was plenty of news in Fenton this week.

Here is a look at what you might have missed. Fenton Patch shared the story of Eclections' move to its new location at 495 Fenway Dr. in Fenton. The store first opened in 2007, and it features clothing, accessories, jewelry and more. We provided you with the news about the Loose Senior Center's new softball team, which ended its first season in the Tri-County Senior Softball League with the championship win. The annual walk across the Mackinac Bridge was Monday, and Fenton Patch shared information on the Michigan Department of Transportation's new contest. Participants can share photos, videos and other memories of past bridge walks, for chances to win a Pure Michigan gift pack and a special tour for two to the top of the Mackinac Bridge. …

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Gabe Ford to Throw First Pitch at Washington Nationals Game

Former Fenton resident invited to game against Atlanta Braves by Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez.

Former Fenton resident Gabe Ford has been working on her pitching arm. She doesn't plan on abandoning speaking out against bullying to make a run at the majors, but she is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals game on Friday. When Ford moved to Viera, FL in March, she happened to move into the same complex that Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez lives in during spring training. Gonzalez met Ford and became inspired by her story of overcoming a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder and speaking out against bullying across the country. He invited Ford to Washington D.C. to throw out the first pitch of Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves and stand alongside him as the team makes an announcement about …

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Fenton's Gabrielle Ford to Ride in America's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Ford to ride on float ahead of a school bus of Fenton children.

While the state of Michigan is inching closer to passing anti-bullying legislation, Fenton resident Gabrielle Ford is continuing to spread her anti-bullying message. Ford, 31, will be part of the 85th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit on Nov. 24. This year’s theme will be “So Much to Believe In,” something that Ford preaches in her anti-bullying message. She will ride on a float as America’s Voice For the Bullied with a school bus of Fenton children behind her. “I didn't plan on affecting people, it just happened with the life story or hand I was dealt,” Ford said, “One person said, ‘you didn't find your meaning and purpose in life, it found you and you’re a hero to thousands of students bullied in American schools every year…

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