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Prince William County

Washington Metropolitan Area

Manassas

Virginia

Van Metre Homes broke ground on the 58-unit townhome development on Dec. 14 in Old Town Manassas.

Video: Olde Towne Square Townhome Development Groundbreaking

Politics & Government

Manassas Park

Fairfax County

Centreville

Fairfax Station

Chantilly

Dale City

Lake Ridge-Occoquan

Michael O'Connell

Fairfax City

Burke

Woodbridge

Lorton

Harrisonburg

Event on Friday April 26, 2024 at 11:00am

Afternoon Tea Experience - Tea Room @ Blue Ridge Florist

Fredericksburg

FTE Presents: Barefoot in the Park

Event on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 10:00am

Old Town Manassas Art Show and Spring Craft Fair

Leesburg

Event on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 12:00pm

Purcellville Music & Arts Festival

Event on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 7:00pm

Mix It Up Sports

McLean

Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show

Event on Sunday April 28, 2024 at 11:00am

Metaphysical Market at the Winery 

An Irish Music Festival 

Event on Tuesday April 30, 2024 at 8:30am

T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Fresh Perks Every Week

I humbly ask for your support after you read my story below:
I'm Cindy Huber of Manassas, living with a physical disability. After graduating from Lake Braddock Secondary School in 1982, I served as a Prince William County Police Officer and later transitioned to Security Management. I've held roles like Director of Security at Tysons Corner Center and Branch Manager at Wells Fargo Guard Services.
In 1999, a back injury altered my life trajectory. Despite treatments and surgeries, my pain persisted, forcing me to go on disability by 2002 and leaving behind a career integral to my identity. Over the years, I sought relief from specialists across states, underwent additional surgeries, and managed to discontinue opioid medications by 2006. Yet, my chronic pain endured.
By 2021, my pain had escalated to an unbearable level, prompting my sixth back surgery at Johns Hopkins. Despite this intervention, my pain persisted, leading to a challenging 8-month ordeal with a new pain management doctor. This experience was particularly distressing after my trusted doctor of 17 years had stopped practicing in the field. Faced with relentless pain and dwindling hope for any quality of life, I made the heart-wrenching decision to attempt to end my suffering.
On May 5, 2023, I attempted to end my life using a .38 Chief's Special revolver. Incredibly, I survived, and subsequently, I was fitted with a spinal cord stimulator&mdash;a device the last pain management doctor had initially suggested and then stated I wasn't eligible for. This device has offered me some relief from my chronic pain.
The aftermath of my suicide attempt left me grappling with visual, vestibular, and cognitive impairments, compounded by post-concussion syndrome. This syndrome manifests as persistent dizziness and occasional migraines. These debilitating conditions have made it impossible for me to work, even part-time from home&mdash;a role I once maintained to supplement my Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
Since May 2023, my medical challenges have further intensified. I've been diagnosed with diabetes, Systemic Lupus (recent tests indicate it may have gone undiagnosed for over twenty years), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, which has progressed to cirrhosis of the liver. These diagnoses add layers of complexity to my existing health issues. Recently, I've learned that I need three more surgeries: facial reconstructive surgery to address sinus structure damage, and total knee replacements for both knees. The first knee replacement is scheduled for July 2024.
Reflecting on my journey, I've come to understand the importance of self-advocacy and seeking multiple medical opinions. Though the path ahead is challenging, I remain resilient and optimistic. I'm dedicated to striking a balance between managing my pain and crafting a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Today, I live in Manassas, renting a basement from my brother's family. While the move has brought emotional support, the lack of accessibility in the home poses daily challenges. Financially, I'm strained due to medical expenses, which included co-pays for over 200 medical-related appointments in 2023 and 60 so far in 2024.
To make my living space accessible, my friend Jean Chalupsky initiated a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $60,000 for essential modifications:
&middot; A wheelchair-accessible bathroom with a shower
&middot; A functional kitchenette with countertop space, storage, and a sink
&middot; An outside platform lift for wheelchair access
These accessibility modifications, designed by an engineer from the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, are vital to improving my independence and overall well-being.
Please consider donating and sharing this GoFundMe campaign with your church congregations, colleagues, friends, and families. Your support will make a tangible difference in improving my daily life and fostering greater independence.
<a href="https://gofund.me/33e54c2b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://gofund.me/33e54c2b</a>

Please Consider Supporting Me after Reading My...

I humbly ask for your support after you read my story below:...

Please Consider Supporting Me after Reading My Story

Manassas Teacher Honored As Washington Post...

First grade teacher Dhanel Brown, who is also credited as a teacher mentor, is being honored as one of the region's top teachers of 2024. 

Manassas Teacher Honored As Washington Post Teacher Of Year Finalist

Manassas Teacher Of The Year Finalist Honored

Manassas Teacher Honored As Washington Post Teacher Of The Year Finalist

Schools

'An Early Taste Of Summer': Coming Heat Wave...

After a mild week with temperatures in the 60s, a surge of summer heat will push into Northern Virginia, bringing highs near 90 degrees.

'An Early Taste Of Summer': Coming Heat Wave Could Break VA Records

Possible Record-Breaking Heat In VA Forecast

Weather

DC, NoVA Weekend Events: French Market, Taste...

Top events happening the last weekend of April are Walk on the Hill, Music & Arts Festival, Bookstore Crawl, Children’s Festival​ and more.

DC, NoVA Weekend Events: French Market, Taste Of Vienna, Art Festivals

French Market, Taste Of Vienna, Art Festivals: DC, NoVA Weekend Events

Community Corner

Measles At Highest Levels Since 2019: What To...

Measles cases, from 1 to 9 so far in 2024 in VA, have been linked to overseas travel. Most U.S. cases are among unvaccinated people.

Measles At Highest Levels Since 2019: What To Know In VA

Health & Fitness

Across Virginia

VA City Among Money's 50 Best Places To Live

Only one Virginia city made the list of Money’s 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2024.

Man Filmed Woman Inside Walmart Bathroom In...

Authorities are looking for a man who recorded a woman inside a bathroom at the Manassas Walmart on Wednesday evening.

Man Filmed Woman Inside Walmart Bathroom In Manassas: Police

Crime & Safety

'Stevie Oneshoes' Wants You To Know How Much He...

Owner of Manassas equestrian center rekindles his love of music and records a tribute to the state he grew up in, "An Anthem for Virginia."

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Politics & Government

Video: Olde Towne Square Townhome Development Groundbreaking

Van Metre Homes broke ground on the 58-unit townhome development on Dec. 14 in Old Town Manassas.

Jamie M. Rogers, Patch Staff

More from Manassas

Manassas Teacher Honored As Washington Post Teacher Of Year Finalist

DC, NoVA Weekend Events: French Market, Taste Of Vienna, Art Festivals

Measles At Highest Levels Since 2019: What To Know In VA

Afternoon Tea Experience - Tea Room @ Blue Ridge Florist

FTE Presents: Barefoot in the Park

Old Town Manassas Art Show and Spring Craft Fair

Purcellville Music & Arts Festival

Mix It Up Sports

Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show

Metaphysical Market at the Winery

An Irish Music Festival

T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Fresh Perks Every Week

Please Consider Supporting Me after Reading My Story

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Video: Olde Towne Square Townhome Development Groundbreaking

Van Metre Homes broke ground on the 58-unit townhome development on Dec. 14 in Old Town Manassas.

Jamie M. Rogers, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__PNwMX" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Jamie M. Rogers, Patch Staff