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Why He’s Fearless
It was during a community service trip to Costa Rica when Gabe was injured. While bodysurfing, he dove and broke his neck at C5-6. He was flown back the US to undergo rehabilitation back home With the help of his father, Matthew Rodreick, Gabe traveled internationally for stem cell treatments soon after his rehab ended.
After his injury as well, Gabe and his father became fighters for a SCI cure. His father helped spearhead a bill in Minnesota to fund spinal cord injury research (and continues helping other states secure research funding for paralysis till this day)
It took Gabe nearly 3 years after his injury to feel like creating music again, but once he did, he was now the singer, and he formed a new band, Treading North. The band was formed in 2013.
What’s Next?
As a quadriplegic, it’s not easy for Gabe to sing a full set, but with years of practice he is now a full-blown performer comfortable on-stage in his wheelchair. In 2014, the band won the opportunity to have a free music video made for their single by a local film company. Check it out.
After touring and performing with his band for several years, Gabe decided to take on a solo path, renaming himself Freaque in 2021. He also took on the role of Artistic Director in 2019 of an adaptive dance performance titled, A Cripple’s Dance. He fell in love with the dance and artistry, and now has bigger dreams, and hopes to create an adaptive dance non-profit of the same name.
ideas@spinalpedia.com
