Bullying program held
Gabe and Izzy deliver powerful message

Billie Rae Berry of Emporium, a victim of spina bifida, was charmed by "Izzy" during the anti-bullying assembly at the Woodland Elementary School. Izzy also accompanied Gabrielle Ford during a public program that evening.

Bullying has always been a part of growing up. Only recently, however, has society come to grips with the permanent impact such abusive behavior can have on a person.

Elementary school students in Emporium were riveted by the story shared last week by Gabrielle (Gabe) Ford, who was accompanied onstage by her dog, Izzy. They have both struggled with disabling, lifethreatening neuromuscular diseases and have overcome other adversities.

Gabe was constantly picked on in school because of her clumsiness and lack of coordination which, it turned out, was caused by Friedreich's ataxia. Her condition was not diagnosed until she was 12.

Gabe's dreams of becoming a dancer were never to be realized, but she kept the news of her medical condition private. Her high school years became a personal struggle to be accepted and live a normal life.

After graduation, she became withdrawn and lonely. She hid in her apartment, rather than be seen by others. That's when she met Izzy. Little did she know at the time that the bouncing black and tan puppy was suffering from a neuromuscular disease much like her own.

Her love for Izzy forced her to go out into the public to take the dog to see veterinarians. She suddenly found it easier to talk about her condition. Today, Gabe speaks freely about her illness, as well as the feelings she had while being bullied.

Her message to Woodland Elemetary School students was simple: "Bullying -- just don't do it!"

Most bullies never stop to think about the impact their behavior will have on the targets of their abuse.

"That's the key -- stop and think," she said. "Bullying is a behavior that is learned, but can just as easily be unlearned. Most people, deep down inside, don't really want to hurt anybody. But believe me, it does hurt."

Gabe and Izzy have been seen on the cable TV channel Animal Planet and featured in several newspapers and magazines.

Their appearance was made possible by Communities That Care, Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Olweus Anti-Bullying program of the Pa. Commission on Crime & Delinquency.

More information about Gabe and Izzy can be found on their website at gabeandizzy. com.