11-year-old Gabriel Needs Your Help
His name means “Hero of God” or “God’s might.” Gabriel has been a fighter his entire life. His father abandoned him before he was born. His mother died when he was only three months old, leaving his grandparents to care for him and his two older siblings, Daniel, age 3, and Anita, age 6. Two years ago, Gabriel’s teacher called his grandparents and suggested they take Gabriel to a doctor — he seemed to be falling down quite a bit. Doctors ran tests and delivered theheartbreaking news, Gabriel had Muscular Dystrophy, a debilitating disease that causes the body’s muscles, including the heart and lung muscles, to weaken. Ironically, the same month, Gabriel’s grandfather was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, leaving the grandmother to take care of her ailing husband, and her three grandchildren. Unfortunately, the disease has progressed rapidly, causing severe curvature of Gabriel’s spine. Muscular Dystrophy specialists at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) medical center have determined that Gabriel must undergo surgery to place rods and pins in his spine to correct the curvature. Before the surgery takes place, Gabriel is undergoing extensive tests on his heart and lungs to determine if they are strong enough to survive the surgery. Gabriel’s grandparents are currently in their 80s and dependent on social security income. They cannot drive, and must rely on others for rides back and forth from Union City to San Francisco. We are asking for donations to help Gabriel and his family with expenses. We would also like to collect enough money to rent a hotel room within walking distance of the hospital for his grandparents to stay while Gabriel has his surgery and recovery.The doctors will not be sure about his chances of recovery until the test results of his heart and lungs. Donations may be made payable to Gabriel Ferdin, at any Bank of the West, to be deposited to Gabriel Ferdin Account Number #016148411. You can also mail your donation to Gabriel Ferdin, C/O Fugitive Watch 353-E East Tenth Street PMB #228 Gilroy, CA 95020. New Update: We are sad to report that Gabriel’s grandmother has recently suffered a stroke that has left her permanently blind.
Comment by Amelia Benavidez on 21 June 2008:
I’m a Santa Clara employee. I work for In House Supportive Service Program that helps people with disability,the elderly with their needs. What this program does it pays a care taker to help the person with their needs. I think they should try to apply for this services. The grandmother will be able to get paid as a caretaker for her husband,and grandson,even she will probably even for herself. This program will pay for domestic cleaning,running arrans,for suppervision. The number for this program(IHSS) in santa clara county is 408 975-4899. She should realy try to apply for this help
Comment by Carolann Espino on 27 June 2008:
What is the address I send a donation for Gabriel and when does he need the surgery. I would like to help with the hotel cost.
Comment by Steve Ferdin on 14 July 2008:
Thank you Amelia for the information.
Comment by Reyna on 18 July 2008:
if Gabriel is enrolled in the county’s CCS Program for his disability, they offer what is called mileage & transportation services which includes mileage reimbursement for going back & forth to UCSF & bus vouchers as needed. Also, if Gabriel is admitted into the Intensive Care Unit @ the hospital, CCS can cover lodging for the family and provide meal vouchers. I advise that if Gabriel is not enrolled in CCS, contact them @ (510)208-5970 to get him enrolled. I also advise speaking with a social worker at the hospital to find additional resources.
Comment by VIRGINIA on 19 July 2008:
HI MY NAME IS VICKY PLEASE SEND ME A EMAIL WHERE I CAN SEND THE MONEY FOR GABRIEL I AM SO SORRY BUT GOD IS WITH YOU GOD BLESS YOU WITH YOUR FAMILY
Comment by JoAnn Crosby on 13 August 2008:
My God Bless you Gabriel and your Grand Parents
I will Mail you a donation
Love you all JoAnn
Comment by Steve Ferdin on 21 August 2008:
Thank you JoAnn
Comment by Anonymous on 10 September 2008:
New Update: We are sad to report that Gabriel’s grandmother has recently suffered a stroke that has left her permanently blind.
Comment by Carol on 12 September 2008:
The poor grandmother - bless her heart for all her labors to keep her family together and care for them. What will become of this family? Is the grandmother in hospital? Who is taking care of Gabriel and his sister now? The whole family needs oversight to help them as a unit. I fear everyone will wind up separated, not only losing their health, but each other. Does anyone know what is going on?
Comment by Carolann Espino on 22 September 2008:
What can we do at this point to help Gabriel. I know your mother is blind and your father suffers from Alsheimers. What can we do to help you.