Aubrey Campbell, a fifth grader at Rachel Carson Elementary School in the Kentlands, stood shyly by Tuesday morning as members of the Montgomery County Council spoke of her sunny disposition, great skiing, basketball and competitive dancing abilities, and especially resiliency.
Since she was three years old, Aubrey has been in and out of doctor’s offices and hospitals and has been diagnosed with three rare autoimmune diseases and two rare infectious diseases. One of her two brothers also has one of the same rare diseases.
Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Aubrey, who is now 10 years old, and her family are flying to Hawaii on Wednesday. The organization has granted wishes to 550,000 children worldwide who have critically ill medical conditions.
According to Chris Campbell, his daughter chose a trip to Hawaii to meet with the dolphins and ride horses on the beach.
“Despite her disabilities and her hospitalizations, Aubrey seeks to live a full life. In the past she has played soccer and basketball, although we have dropped those sports for a very active dance career. She is on the competitive dance team with District Dance in Gaithersburg,” he wrote in an email to MyMCM.
“She especially loves her musical theater, lyrical, and acrobatics classes,” he noted.
Her mother described her daughter as “a sunny and positive person.”
“Audrey Campbell is a resilient and bright light to her family and the community,” said Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, who together with Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Will Jawando, issued a proclamation in her honor.
“You are an inspiration to us. You make us want to work harder,” said Jawando.
After Hawaii, the family will meet with Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller.
Today Councilmembers @MC_Council_Katz, @CM_Sayles and Will Jawando presented a proclamation to Aubrey Campbell, a brave and intelligent young woman who inspires all those around her, and whose wish has been granted by the @MakeAWish Foundation. pic.twitter.com/qGKeOZkCFz
— Montgomery Council (@MoCoCouncilMD) January 31, 2023
View the proclamation ceremony here.
