The virus thought it could keep Auburn signs from showing up on the TODAY show plaza. The virus was wrong.
Flanked by her parents, homemade Auburn sign in hand, New Jersey teenager Emily Calabro, whose battle against a rare form of brain cancer has received no small degree of attention over the years — she’d apparently already met Hoda on “Dr. Oz” in 2014 — Skyped into the morning show’s “virtual plaza” Monday seemingly just to announce her college choice.
“Emily was diagnosed with brain cancer at 11 years old,” Hoda said when introducing the Calabros. “You my friends are looking at a survivor. She’s celebrating high school graduation, and in the fall, where are you going to be going, Emily?”
“Auburn University!”
Calabro chose Auburn over South Carolina, Miami, Clemson, Florida… and Alabama. She plans on studying architecture.
“Let me tell you, Auburn is lucky to have you,” Hoda replied. “I’m going to be following you all the way through Auburn since we have our history together.”
Here’s more about Emily’s story:
What a sweet thing to see this morning. Thank you War Eagle Reader!
Wonderful story. Good luck at Auburn and War Eagle. 💙🧡
War Eagle and Welcome to the “AUBURN FAMILY”!! You are about to embark on one of the all time best experiences of your Life! Auburn University is my Alma Mater and I am Still totally in Love with the place🧡🦅💙
What an amazing story Emily! Welcome to the Auburn Family 🦅🧡💙
“A spirit that is unafraid” No more words are necessary.
What a beautiful story! Welcome to the Auburn family and may God bless you! War Eagle! Class of 76!🦅
Made my day to see such a great story of overcoming incredible difficulty and trials! Loved the mom and dad’s pride in their daughter. Delighted she’s coming our way! She’ll make a wonderful addition to the Auburn family! God bless you young lady and War Eagle!