Meet Gabe, a 15-year old from Columbia, South Carolina who has overcome adversity time and time again…and always with a smile on his face! Peppa Pig and riding in his toy Jeep are two of his favorite things, just behind cheering on the Gamecock Women’s Basketball team.
Gabe may be small in stature, but he has a giant personality! He is affectionate, kind, and greets everyone with a wave, smile, or hug. He loves to engage in conversation and ask questions, but his speech delay can make it hard for him to express himself fully, often leading to misunderstandings. Regardless of any obstacles, Gabe holds his family, his church, and his school close to his heart and finds strength in the love from those around him.
Born weighing just one pound and 10 ounces, Gabe spent five months in the neonatal ICU followed by one month in the pediatric ICU. After four major surgeries, Gabe was discharged. However, his fight continued. Once home, he required oxygen, nine daily medications, and a feeding tube. He began occupational, speech and physical therapies to help him learn to sit up, crawl, eat and drink, walk and eventually at age four, to talk.
Today at only 15 years of age, Gabe continues to face challenges with autism, developmental delays, and kidney disease. He attends therapy appointments weekly and is followed closely by his pediatrician, neurologist, and nephrologist. Despite the challenges, Gabe loves deeply and lives every day to the fullest!
Gabe’s Dream is to watch the Gamecock Women’s Basketball team play and meet Dawn Staley with his family right by his side. The University of South Carolina Collegiate Dream Team is thrilled to make this Dream come true!
