Central Florida Prepares Big Give to Save Dying Child

Central Florida Prepares Big Give to Save Dying Child

DELTONA, FL/May 15, 2008 Immediate Release/ Contact: Lloyd Marcus 954-934-9588
After a local elementary school raised over $10,500 in just a few months for their classmate, Central Florida is preparing to join them in the fight to save a 6 year old student, Gabrielle LaVerde. Tucked away, in-between Daytona Beach and Orlando, an elementary school, called Deltona Lakes Elementary, which consists of 1,005 students, worked non-stop in raising awareness and collecting donations for their fellow classmate. Their fund raising ideas were creative, yet simple, and were referred to as DLE’s Big Give.

DLE’s Big Give all started with the students standing in line at the front office every morning with their piggy banks, weekly allowances, and coin jars. Once the students had raised several thousand dollars, the students solicited the help of their parents and neighbors. What followed was bake sales, talent shows, a community yard sale, and a spaghetti dinner that had profound results.

The news of the elementary school’s Big Give and this rare and fatal disease got the attention of Fox 35 News. The interview was aired May 10, 2008:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6512151&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Gabrielle LaVerde, a 1st grader, who attends DLE, has been diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease called Niemann-Pick Type C (Early Childhood Alzheimer's). Life expectancy after diagnosis is 6-10 years. Only 300 Americans have been diagnosed with this disease. Only 500 cases are known worldwide. Niemann-Pick Type C is a genetic metabolic disease that causes multiple neurological disorders.

Gabrielle's treatments run $9,000 per month. Her parents are planning to take her to Mexico for an experimental treatment. The treatment cost $19,000. Airfare, accommodations, car rental, food, and incidentals will cost approximately $5,000.
Friends of Gabrielle have asked Lloyd Marcus to help take the Big Give to the next level. Mr. Marcus is challenging Central Florida to come together as a family and rally around the LaVerde family and their adorable little girl. “Do your own creative Big Give for Gabrielle. Let's work together to SAVE GABRIELLE LAVERDE,” he said.

Please raise funds throughout the summer. Before school begins, the LaVerde family will be presented with a check from “Central Floridians for Gabrielle” at a press conference. Location and date TBA. Press conference will include recognition of major contributors, music, and celebration festivities.

National and Corporate Contributors are welcome to join this community effort.
Please mark your contribution: “Central Floridians for Gabrielle.” Contribute to GABRIELLE'S TRUST ACCOUNT By paypal on Gabrielle’s Website or directly to Sun Trust Bank Attn: Jessica for Gabrielle LaVerde / 2602 Enterprise Road / Orange City, FL 32763 or 1-800-786-8787 or 386-775-8878. To Learn More about Gabrielle visit at: http://www.GabrielleLaVerde.com or email GabrielleLaVerde@earthlink.net
FOR INTERVIEW or contact information, contact Family Spokesperson:
Gisele Veilleux 407-256-5960 or gisele.thedogliberator@gmail.com
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