A Brave Heart, A Big Dream

Help Gabriel Achieve His Dream Despite a Lifetime of Health Challenges

A Brave Heart, A Big Dream

My name is Scott McLaughlin, and I’m reaching out to you today on behalf of my dear friend Liz Farrell and her incredible 14 year old son, Gabriel Powell. Gabriel’s journey has been anything but easy—born in 2010 with Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare and complex heart condition, he has faced a lifetime of surgeries, hospital visits, and physical limitations.

Despite all of this, Gabriel is an extraordinary young man with a relentless passion for paleontology (a study of history of life on Earth based fossils , animals and plants). His dream is to become a paleontologist, and he is already reading university-level textbooks and connecting with professionals in the field—including renowned scientist Steve Brusatte, who even consulted Gabriel for the content of one of his new books!

Gabriele is a true believer that Australia is in fact the nation that has the opportunity to be the epicentre of Dinosaur discoveries in the world for decades to come.

Why We Need Your Help

Gabriel’s health journey has shaped him into a compassionate, determined, and insightful individual. Although he has had to miss out on so many experiences growing up, he has never given up on his dreams. Now, we have the chance to make one of those dreams come true.

With your support, we aim to:

✅ Send Gabriel on a real dinosaur dig – an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field he loves with some upcoming work experience opportunities

✅ Help him obtain a passport so he can travel internationally for future opportunities in paleontology.

✅ Support his ongoing medical needs and ensure he has every opportunity to thrive.

Gabriel’s Journey So Far

- Diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot before birth and underwent his first open-heart surgery at just a few months old.

- Spent much of his childhood exhausted, unable to participate in regular activities like other kids.

- Despite these challenges, he has excelled academically, developing a deep knowledge of paleontology, genetics, and environmental science.

- He has a global vision for a better world, hoping to bring industry back to Australia and improve how governments manage resources.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your donation—big or small—will directly impact Gabriel’s future. By supporting this campaign, you’re helping a young man overcome the odds and take the next step toward his lifelong dream.

Let’s show Gabriel that despite the challenges he’s faced, his future is limitless.

Please donate today and share Gabriel’s story with your friends, family, and community.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Scott McLaughlin

(on behalf of Liz Farrell & Gabriel Powell)