It’s been almost a year since we introduced you to 5-year-old Aubrey, the daughter of two Air Force veterans, and one of the only people in the world to be diagnosed with Reducing Body Myopathy (RBM).

With fewer than 1000 cases worldwide, RBM is ultra-rare. Unfortunately, RBM is an incurable condition that leads to muscle loss and progresses over time. Before we connected Aubrey’s family to our van partners at AMS Vans, Aubrey missed out on every day activities due to the lack of transportation.

Now, a year later, Aubrey is 6 years old and has started Kindergarten! Aubrey’s mom, Megan, tells us that this van has been “the biggest blessing” to their family. Having accessible transportation has allowed Aubrey to participate in ways she couldn’t before — even some of the mundane, every-day activities that we take for granted.

Megan told us, “Aubrey loves going for van rides just to get out of the house. She isn't scared when we have to go anywhere because she feels so safe in her wheelchair in the van. The best is when I announce I have to go pickup a curbside order and she says ‘can I come?’ And the answer is finally yes!”

This is just a sliver of the impact that this van has had on Aubrey and her family. From routine errands, to family activities, to doctor’s appointments, this van has opened up a world of possibilities for Aubrey that would never have been possible.

Megan reiterated, “Not only did this van give her safe transportation, but it has also given her some freedom which has made her so, so happy!”

Sweet Aubrey, nothing makes us happier than hearing those words!

Thanks to the support of our incredible donors, this sweet 6-year-old has the freedom to enjoy the little things. Although, in this case, the little things aren’t such little things. In this case, they are everything.

As Aubrey continues to adjust to her newfound freedom, we can’t wait to hear what other adventures she has in store. Until then, we encourage you to read more about Aubrey’s journey in her original story linked below.