BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Gabby Hernandez is Campbell baseball's biggest fan. If you've been to a game since 2016, you've probably seen her in the stands in her wheelchair wearing her orange Campbell jersey, with her family by her side, and smiles and waves coming her way from the players.
 
Now 13 years old, Gabby has struggled with numerous medical conditions since she was six months old and has been in and out of hospitals ever since. She has faced brain loss in the form of cerebral atrophy, respiratory failure a half-dozen times and has been diagnosed with a handful of other conditions.
 
When Gabby and her family began going to Campbell baseball games in 2016, a special bond was formed.
 
"Campbell baseball guys have given her something to look forward to and I strongly believe that they are part of the reason that she is still here and doing as well as she is," Gabby's mom said.
 
Gabby's family has been faced with more difficult decisions than anybody should have to make, and have been witnesses to multiple miracles involving her health.
 
Gabby has many ambitions, hoping to travel when it becomes safer to see mountains, beaches, Disney World again (after previously going as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation), and Australia. She also wants to go to an MLB game and throw out a first pitch at a baseball game.
 
As the bonds between Gabby and the team have continued to grow over the past five years, both at Jim Perry Stadium and the Johnston County Miracle League, the Camels are now looking for more ways to give back and help her family turn those dreams into realities.
 
This year, Campbell will host the first Turkey Derby on Dec. 3 at Jim Perry Stadium with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Gabby and her family.
 
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., fans can pay to get their cuts in at Jim Perry Stadium and take batting practice on the field. The team home run derby will begin at 4 p.m. With Campbell going deep 73 times last season and owning the nation's fourth-best scoring offense, the home run derby should feature plenty of offensive power.
 
Donations can be made on Venmo to @CUBSBFundraising, or in cash at the stadium on the day of the event.
 
Fans can also sponsor a player for their chance to win prizes if their selected batter wins the derby. Full information is below:


 
Player Quotes:
 
"In my 5 years here at Campbell, there's been a few staples in our program - Gabby being one of them. Gabby and her family are a constant presence at our games and are an intricate part of our Campbell Baseball Family. Their support and love for our program is unmatched. Her story, her strength, and her loving personality drives us as players to become better people in our every day lives. The bonds and relationships she has built with our team are so incredibly special and irreplaceable.
I'm so honored to have a part in organizing this fundraiser to show Gabby and her family the same love and support they have shown us all these years. We love you Gabs!"

• Ty Babin, Senior, Catcher

 
"GABBYYY our #1 fan! Ever since I got to Campbell you show up for us whether it's practice or games. You became like a little sister to the Campbell baseball team. My favorite memory was during Halloween when you and Babs were dressed up as Scooby-Doo. Your smile that day is something that I won't ever forget. We love you!"

• Waldy Arias, Junior, Infield

 
"Gabby has been a fixture at so many of our games since I arrived on campus in 2018, supporting on the road and here at Jim Perry Stadium. Her smile and laugh are contagious and brings a smile to my face every time I see her. We can't wait to give back to our special fan who has supported us regardless of the circumstances for so long!"

• Ryan Chasse, Junior, Pitcher