Fighting Together For Gabe

Hi. My name is Marie Marion, and I'm asking you to please help Gabe with his incredible fight!

I met Gabe 11 years ago, and it didn't take long for him to steal my heart! To me, he's always been my "Harry Potter Boy!" Gabe is the definition of Determination! He was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, which the doctor said would confine him to a wheelchair. Gabe has undergone over 25 surgeries to place and revise shunts in his brain, several of which occurred in his first year of life.

Gabe has worked twice as hard to achieve milestones that most kids take for granted. But Gabe refuses to let his medical challenges hold him back! At every visit, Gabe tells me how he learned to ride his adaptive bike, swim, play tennis, ski, ride a horse, and the list goes ON! Gabe does not accept others' limitations on him, including school. He recently graduated from BOCES (automotive tech.), and he graduated from Warrensburg High School. He's held several part-time jobs during the summer and has his heart set on becoming an auto mechanic. For Gabe, the Impossible is Possible!

Four weeks ago, Gabe's world crashed! He was rushed to Albany Medical, where he underwent surgery for a blocked intestine (causing an infection). A second emergency surgery followed to remove his three brain shunts, which were no longer functioning. Gabe was unresponsive for quite some time, but once stable he returned for yet a third surgery to have his shunts replaced. Althought the surgery was successful, Gabe suffered a stroke, which impacted multiple areas of his brain.

Gabe is exhausted, his brain has suffered significant trauma, and he is on a ventilator. His time at Albany Med ICU is unknown. A long recovery is expected, and the outcome of lasting side effects is unknown. His loving parents have not left his side. They stay at the Ronald McDonald House while others care for Gabe's sister and their family pets. They've suffered a loss of income, and while the Ronald McDonald House has been wonderful, they still have additional expenses for gas, personal needs, and expenses at home.

Gabe is truly 1 in a million! He is such a delightful young man who is loved by many. I am asking you to please find it in your heart to help Gabe in this FIGHT and PRAY for him to receive the Miracle he needs!