Saving Gabrielle LaVerdeIn The News |
Fox 35 and Shay Harris
The morning after Lloyd Marcus issued his press release urging Central Floridians to Unite to Save a Dying Deltona Girl, Gabrielle LaVerde, Fox 35 Orlando contacted us and requested an interview.
The news station was very interested in the dedicated efforts in which Gabrielle’s school had collected over $10,500 for her medical treatments. See DLE’s Big Give for details.
We sat at local park for several hours and found the experience to be warm and compassionate. Everyone took turns shedding a tear as we shared our stories and feelings about Gabrielle’s situation. Before the interview came to a close, however, Gabrielle and Shay Harris, a Fox 35 reporter, shared some time together, and yes, Gabrielle gave her a smile!
At the close of the interview, we had made new friends, and hoped that we helped others understand this horrible disease. We hoped that other parents who may be going through a nightmare of diagnosis trials for their child may suggest this disease to their pediatrician. We hoped that our message would rally Central Floridians to get involved and help save Gabrielle. More importantly, we hoped we made it clear that what the Elementary school students, their parents, teachers, staff and community did for Gabrielle was truly a Big Give. We hope that Central Florida watched what Kindergarteners, First, Second, Third, and Fourth Grade students can do once they put their mind to it!
Much more has happened since this interview, so please visit the Deltona Lakes Elementary page for updates. |
Gabrielle LaVerde |
Gabrielle on Fox 35 withShay Harris in May, 2008 |
Gabrielle on Fox 35 withDavid Martin February, 2008 |
Debbie Yearwood & DLEon WESH May 27, 2008 |
Deltona’s Mayor Mulder & City Commissioners Recognize Elementary School Kids! |
Gabrielle & DLE on Fox 35May 27, 2008 |
Who is Gabrielle LaVerde?
Gabrielle LaVerde is a delightful and adored 7 year old little girl who has been diagnosed with a fatal and rare disease, called Niemann-Pick Type C. The disease is considered an orphan disease since there have only been 500 known cases worldwide. The disease itself renders its victims with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms—victims move backward in time and forget how to perform basic functions, such as talking, walking, eating, chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
We first learned of Gabrielle’s diagnosis in October, 2007. Gabrielle’s elementary school classmates were horrified to learn that her disease was fatal, and that there was no cure, no miracle drug, or no surgery that could save her. Her classmates quickly rallied support, not only from their parents, but from the entire Deltona community to help pay for experimental treatments. The outpouring amount of encouragement, support, and prayers that the LaVerde family has received has been phenomenal. The elementary school students raised over $10,800 in less than 3 months.
The purpose of this website is to:
· Increase awareness of the disease known as Niemann-Pick Type C · Create awareness about Gabrielle LaVerde’s condition · Share with supporters recent and upcoming events to help Gabrielle. · Special Thanks to Lloyd Marcus, Deltona Lakes Elementary School, the City of Deltona, and the citizens of Deltona, for your ongoing support.
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