A benefit concert to celebrate the memory of Cammy Babiarz
The memorial will feature live music and other celebrations of joy
After seven months, we finally have a memorial set for my daughter. Cammy passed away last December, at the age of 14, due to complications of Rett syndrome. It took that long to figure out an appropriate venue with the capacity we think we’ll need for folks who want to pay their respects and celebrate Cammy’s life in a way we think she would’ve loved.
Our fabulous musician friends agreed to play at Cammy’s memorial. Side Project is a local group from Wheaton, Illinois, whose members include our friends Kyle Neiss and Tim Hoder. Kyle and Tim have donated their time and talents the last few years at our Cammy Can fundraisers. Nicki Neal is our sweet neighbor who also plays locally. Cammy loved all of their music.
I feel like Cammy and Sesame Street have been synonymous. It was the only go-to thing that would soothe Cammy in a pinch. It motivated her during therapy and in school. It was the only TV show she wanted to watch on road trips, in a hospital waiting room, or sitting through something she thought was boring.
We needed a way to incorporate Sesame Street into the memorial. So we sent the musicians a “Cam’s jams” playlist of her favorite music. Much of it included songs from famous people who adapted lyrics to fit Sesame Street episodes. Expect to hear the famous Sesame Street theme song, “Sunny Day.”
Spreading joy
Purple, her favorite color, and also the official color for Rett syndrome advocacy, needed to be included, too. So we’ll have purple ribbons tied to all of the facility’s trees and light posts. There will be as many shades of purple balloons as we can get our hands on.
Cammy loved kindness — both kind people and acts of kindness. We’ll have kindness rocks — painted rocks that people can add words or drawings to — placed about the memorial. After the event, we’ll leave them at some of her favorite places to spread a little of Cammy’s joy around and make other people smile.
Cammy also loved fashion and bright colors. We’d love for everyone attending to wear bright colors or a Cammy Can shirt, which will be available for purchase on the Cammy Can Facebook page. Bright colors exude joy, love, warmth, and hope. Cammy emitted all of these things.
Cammy was unable to talk, yet her eyes spoke volumes. Even though she was unable to use her hands, she touched the hearts of thousands of people. She was unable to walk, but her story traveled worldwide.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, I invite you to celebrate Cammy and the remarkable impact she’s had on family, friends, and an entire community. She changed the course of Rett syndrome forever. It will be a family event filled with Cammy’s favorite music and favorite people.
Since we will never give up the fight against Rett syndrome, proceeds from the ticket sales of Cammy’s memorial concert at the Memorial Park Bandshell in Wheaton will go to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.
Note: Rett Syndrome News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Rett Syndrome News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Rett syndrome.
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