Carlos and Christine Camarillo had to endure what no parent ever should—the loss of their child.
Their daughter, Victoria, passed away last July at just 18 years old, only a few months after being diagnosed with leukemia. Victoria had also lived with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder unrelated to her leukemia.
Victoria had been planning to enroll in A&M–San Antonio’s Tu Casa program, which offers students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience university life. Though she never had the chance to attend, her parents are ensuring her legacy lives on through the newly established Victoria Christine Camarillo Endowed Scholarship.
“It’s going to help other kids who thought they could never go to a university,” said Carlos. “It feels like mission accomplished.”
The $25,000 endowed scholarship will be available to all students with disabilities, said Gwen Notestine, vice president for University Advancement.
“This is a wonderful gift that will help students traveling on a journey similar to Victoria’s truly thrive and succeed,” said Dr. Veronica Kallead, Tu Casa project director. “We are deeply grateful to Carlos and Christine Camarillo for such a generous gift that will touch many lives.”
Victoria was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at seven months old. Despite the challenges the condition brought to her physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities, she lived a remarkable life filled with achievements and advocacy.
In 2019, she was crowned Fiesta Especial Queen and raised a record-breaking $22,600 for charity. She was also a Special Olympics gold medalist in the 100-meter dash, served in a leadership role on her school dance team, and spoke as an ambassador for children with special needs, encouraging others to focus on their abilities rather than disabilities.
Her impact extended across the San Antonio community: she represented Northside ISD at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Morgan’s Wonderland alongside Mayor Ron Nirenberg and park founder Gordon Hartman. She was inducted into the Clark High School National Honor Society in 2023 and shared her musical talents as a drummer with the School of Rock for six years.
“We kept setting goals for her, and she kept accomplishing them,” Carlos said. “She always wanted to know what was next.”
Although the Camarillo family continues to grieve, they are finding strength through faith, community, and the memory of Victoria’s giving spirit.
“You don't realize how strong you are until there's no other choice but to be strong,” Carlos said. “Victoria was such an inspiration. She had a way of sensing when people were struggling and would often give impromptu hugs to strangers who needed her love and compassion. With this scholarship, we feel like we’re helping her giving spirit live on.”