This future marine biologist is making a splash

A young boy with light skin tone and short brown hair smiling and wearing a red cape. He is using a wheelchair.

When asked about his favourite memories at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Gabriele says: “I love the swimming pool.”

It’s no surprise that the water-loving seven year old wants to make a splash when he’s older as a marine biologist.

His favourite animal? “Sharks.”

Aside from loving sea creatures, Gabriele also enjoys reading and playing Nintendo – especially Mario games.

Now, Gabriele is putting on his red cape to join forces with Holland Bloorview for Capes for Kids.

“It makes me feel like a superhero,” Gabriele says.

Gabriele, who is undiagnosed, uses a Tobii Dynavox Eye Gaze speech device. The device uses eye movement to select words and phrases on a screen to help him communicate. He first came to Holland Bloorview when he was two years old after a recommendation from a doctor.

“He started getting therapy at Holland Bloorview,” says David, Gabriele’s dad. “Eventually from there, he went to Bloorview School Authority (BSA) and got to do all the fun stuff they do. We’ve had a lot of great support for him.”

A young boy with light skin tone and short brown hair smiling and wearing a red cape. He is using a wheelchair.

At Holland Bloorview, Gabriele has accessed therapy, dentist appointments and his favourite, the swimming pool. He also unleashed his inner artist at Spiral Garden music and art camps.

Now in Grade 2, Gabriele graduated from the BSA last year. He’s looking forward to a bright future studying animals.

He wants to, “help them and to learn from them.”