Aggie Mother And Daughter Honored with George H.W. Bush Points Of Light Award

Two extraordinary Aggies were honored Thursday evening in Washington, D.C., at the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration.

Rebecca Taylor, 21, a biomedical engineering undergraduate, and her mother, Christyn Taylor ’98, celebrated with family and friends at a star-studded reception.

The award is for Rebecca’s Wish, a charity they founded after Rebecca began suffering with pediatric pancreatitis at the age of 7.

Rebecca’s Wish has raised over $3 million, funded pediatrician training, and started support programs for children across the United States who are fighting the debilitating disease.

Rebecca Taylor has endured 1,500 days in hospitals and 150 surgeries. She continues her schooling and charitable work despite ongoing health challenges. A Brown Scholar, National Merit Scholar and Presidential Scholar, her goal is to become a researcher to improve treatment for pancreatitis sufferers.

“I’m really proud of what my mom and I have created,” Rebecca said.

Christyn Taylor runs the charity. Despite no formal medical training, she has become a sought-after medical advisor and serves on the board of the National Pancreas Foundation.

“As Texans, this award is especially meaningful given our lifelong admiration for President Bush,” Christyn said. “This recognition acknowledges that great purpose can evolve from great adversity.”

Other 2023 honorees Thursday were former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, philanthropist Robert F. Smith and Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love and his wife, Jacquelyne Love.

The Beach Boys performed at the event; actor John Stamos emceed.

Among attendees were Rebecca’s father Brian Taylor ’95; her grandparents Becky Russell and B. Don Russell ’70, a Texas A&M distinguished professor of electrical and chemical engineering; and Rebecca’s brother Nicholas, a first-year student at A&M.