Dancing Gabe’s future care buoyed by radio fundraiser By: Chris Kitching Posted: 7:01 PM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

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This article was published 28/06/2023 (828 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Angelina Langlois was battling cancer, one of her biggest worries was the future of her son Gabriel and who would care for him when she was no longer around.

Her daughter, Claudette Langlois, assured her that Gabriel, better known as Dancing Gabe, would be well looked after by family.

“I promised her as long as I’m here, he will be with me,” said Claudette, who has been Gabe’s primary caregiver since their 84-year-old mother died in 2016.

Gabe, who has autism, lives with his sister. She has tried to keep his routine the same as it’s always been while she works full-time and handles other responsibilities.

Gabe’s routine includes dancing at professional sports games in Winnipeg. The decades-long ritual has made the 60-year-old a local celebrity.

Lately, Claudette, 56, has been worrying about her brother’s future, as their mother did.

“If something happens to me, what’s going to happen to him?” she said. “That is the biggest burden on me.”

When she thought about it, she realized his long-term care plan was unclear.

His needs will change and the time could come when family members are unable to provide primary care, she said.

Claudette also worried about the potential cost of Gabe’s care and his living arrangements in his older years.

“If something happens to me, what’s going to happen to him? That is the biggest burden on me.”–Claudette Langlois

Her family has limited means and savings, and Gabe cannot live independently, she said.

Gabe was barely an adult when his father Louis, who ran a sandblasting and painting business, died. Angelina, who raised six children, worked in a sewing factory before retiring.

Last month, Claudette met with 103.1 Virgin Radio morning show host Ace Burpee and executive producer Amber Saleem to explain the situation and her fears.

After agreeing to help, the Ace Burpee Show launched an online fundraising campaign Tuesday.

More than $30,000 had been donated as of Wednesday afternoon.

Claudette said she is very grateful for the support of the radio show and donors.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with everything,” she said.

Saleem said the fundraiser was set up as a way to give back to Gabe.

“We heard the weight that (Claudette) has been carrying for a number of years,” said Saleem. “The goal is to bring some comfort to Claudette as Gabe’s caregiver, and truly to Dancing Gabe, who we love so much.

“He brings passion and joy to Winnipeg and this entire province. He’s a man who’s devoted his life to making us better.”

Claudette said the money will be put in a registered disability savings plan for future use.

“I’m more worried (about Gabe) later on because if there are needs later in life, there’s really nothing there because he is on the system,” she said.

Gabe’s only source of income is through the provincial employment and income assistance program, his sister said.

The amount he receives doesn’t cover all of his monthly living costs, said Claudette, who helps with his expenses.

Sports teams provide free entry, such as media passes, so he can dance at games, she said.

He also makes appearances at charitable or other events as part of volunteer work.

“He was put in a facility and it was hard for my mom to get him out. I promised my mother I would never let that happen to him as long as I’m on this Earth.”–Claudette Langlois

Before this week’s launch, Claudette met with provincial staff to discuss the fundraiser and confirm it will not compromise Gabe’s eligibility for benefits or services.

“The last thing I want is to create a situation that makes it hard for Gabe,” she said.

Her worries and decisions are influenced by the years Gabe spent in an institution as a child.

“He was put in a facility and it was hard for my mom to get him out,” said Claudette. “I promised my mother I would never let that happen to him as long as I’m on this Earth.”

The fundraiser is shining a light on some of the struggles faced by Manitobans with intellectual disabilities or their caregivers, and the supports available to them.

Suzanne Swanton, executive director of the non-profit Continuity Care, said she empathizes with Claudette and families who have a similar story.

Swanton hopes the fundraiser, which she said is unique, helps to raise awareness about the benefits and services that are available in Manitoba, while showing families they are not alone.

Aside from EIA, the programs offered by the province include Community Living disABILITY Services, Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities and the new Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities.

Each program has different eligibility criteria, which can be confusing and challenging to navigate, said Swanton.

While EIA and MSPD help to cover basic living costs, some caregivers still have to pay out of pocket for expenses.

“It doesn’t cover everything,” Swanton said of the system.

She pointed out the rising cost of essentials and the fact people with disabilities may face additional expenses.

“We want to see that their needs are being met. There’s room for improvement, so the rates keep up with costs,” said Swanton.

Provincial funding is available for housing or residential services that range from independent living to places with 24-hour care and support, she said.

At the federal level, Swanton is hopeful and optimistic the Disability Benefit Act, which received royal assent June 22, will provide additional help.

The law will create a new benefit for working-age Canadians with disabilities.

In addition to governments, services are available through non-profit organizations such as Continuity Care, which helps Manitobans plan “an enriched quality of life” for a family member with an intellectual disability.

Its main source of funding is an endowment fund managed by the Winnipeg Foundation.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @chriskitching