4 days in advance flight was canceled!?

Got a text stating that my flight was canceled due to mechanical issues (it was Monday and I was suppose to fly out Thursday night for a surprise party). I am not only going to miss the surprise party but AA booked me on a flight for 5 am the next day. I understand flight cancelations for weather and such but this was for a ‘mechanical issue.’ Anyone know if there is a way to get a partial refund back or anything? I have been on the phone with their customer service team for hours and all they can tell me is “email customer relations.” When I did, I then got an email back saying that the earliest I will hear back is in 5 business days (after my flight) is there anything I can do!?