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Jeremiah Hughes: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

A lot of times when people go through cancer or anything medical, you look just at that person. But it’s impacts the family as a whole. My family was greatly impacted, especially my little sister. She had to miss out on some opportunities. She couldn’t go to school and risk getting sick sometimes, because I got sick, it wouldn’t have been good. I looked forward to the gifts every year, but not only that, but the checking in means more than words can describe.

 – Jeremiah Hughes

In August 2020, while many high school seniors were planning college visits, Jeremiah Hughes, a senior at Riverheads High School, was confronting something far more daunting—frequent hospital visits and a lingering sense that something wasn’t right.

“It was around the time COVID started,” Jeremiah recalls. “I was always tired, and it wasn’t improving. After numerous tests, my mom, Bobbi Hughes, pushed for more answers. That’s when we discovered it was leukemia.”

A leukemia diagnosis is life-changing. Jeremiah endured grueling treatments and multiple surgeries. Despite the challenges, he remained determined to pursue his goals. While battling cancer, he attended Liberty University in person, working towards a degree in data analytics.

In January 2025, after years of perseverance, Jeremiah marked a significant milestone—he rang the bell, a tradition started in 1996 by US Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne, signifying the end of his chemotherapy treatments.

“It meant so much to have my family there,” he shares. “The journey was full of uncertainty and obstacles, but ringing that bell symbolized hope and the unwavering support I received.”

A vital part of Jeremiah’s support system was The MaDee Project. Named in memory of MaDee Boxler, a Fort Defiance High School graduate who passed away from cancer, the organization supports pediatric cancer patients and their families in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County.

“The MaDee Project’s support meant everything,” Jeremiah says. “The annual gifts and check-ins reminded us we weren’t alone. Cancer impacts the whole family—not just the patient. My little sister missed out on opportunities because we had to take precautions to keep me safe. The kindness extended to my family was priceless.”

Jeremiah’s journey hasn’t been without long-term challenges, including two shoulder replacement surgeries due to the intense treatments. Despite this, his positivity remains steadfast.

“I know many people who didn’t survive this disease. I’m incredibly fortunate and don’t take that for granted,” he reflects. “This experience gave me a new perspective on life. It’s important to honor those who weren’t as lucky by living fully and giving back.”

Through resilience and gratitude, Jeremiah Hughes exemplifies strength in the face of adversity. His story is not just one of survival, but of hope and the power of community support.

 

The Harlow Family Scholarship

The Harlow Family Scholarship was created by Jim and Sarah Harlow. They are residents of Augusta County and currently live in Mt. Solon.  All three of their children graduated from Fort Defiance High School (FDHS) The Scholarship is something that both Jim and Sarah are passionate about. This scholarship is not merit- or performance-based. Which means that grit and courage are key elements in determining who wins. This scholarship requires an evaluation of financial need as well as the character and perseverance of the individual. Jim and Sarah both understand the value of education after high school and want to make the road a bit easier for individuals who are willing to work hard and persevere to improve their situation.

 

Dan Layman

President & CEO

Dan Layman joined the Community Foundation in March 2013. He spends his days helping individuals and companies explore how they can accomplish their charitable objectives through the Foundation and making sure that those who have already made that choice enjoy what they have created. He also offers his assistance and friendship to the leaders of local nonprofit organizations. Since graduating from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) in 1988, Dan has dedicated his career to helping others through fundraising and planned giving. He and his wife, Pamela Fox, have been Staunton residents since 2003…and for many years to come.

Menieka Garber

Chief Operating Officer

Menieka Garber joined the Community Foundation in 2006 and ensures that the day-to-day operations run smoothly and align with the Foundation’s mission. She supports a variety of accounting and finance functions and helps to ensure compliance with financial and record-keeping procedures.  Menieka received a B.A. in Business with a concentration in Accounting from Mary Baldwin University and A.A.S. degrees in Business Management and Accounting from Blue Ridge Community College. A native of the Shenandoah Valley, Menieka lives on a farm in Augusta County with her husband, Brian, and their two children, Kiersten and Samuel.

Miriam Burrows

Director of Educational Programs

Miriam Burrows joined the Community Foundation in August 2018. She administers our Scholarship Program, the Youth Philanthropy Council, and the Dawbarn Education Awards.  Miriam received a B.A. in Theatre from DeSales University, has a certificate from the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Legal Secretary School, graduated from CNE’s Board Academy, and continues to take classes whenever she can. Miriam came to Staunton in 1999 to join the American Shakespeare Center where she has worked as an actor and has served as a board member. She lives in Staunton with her husband Daniel, and their two beautiful children.

Lora Hamp, J.D.

Legal Counsel and Director of Nonprofit Relations

Lora Hamp joined the Community Foundation in 2022, after serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and working with the CFCBR Community Grants Committee for several years. She formerly practiced law as an estate planning attorney and is excited to combine her legal background and prior Board experience to support and promote the nonprofit sector in our community.  In addition to administering the Foundation’s Community Grants Program, Lora provides for the delivery and oversight of nonprofit sector programming, including trainings, peer learning experiences, and other professional development events. She enjoys working with her colleagues and community partners to support a healthy, vibrant nonprofit sector.

Lora’s early interest in the nonprofit world developed within the fields of gerontology and elder rights advocacy. Immediately after graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law, she served as a Borchard Fellow, collaborating with various nonprofit partners to design and establish an elder law clinic at the law school.

Chris Lassiter

Director of Community Engagement

Chris Lassiter joined our team in January 2022 as our new Director of Community Engagement.  Chris leads our work to broaden the Foundation’s relationships with community members and deepen our understanding of the challenges within our community and our opportunities for affecting real change.  Chris comes to us from the Staunton-Augusta Family YMCA where he served as Marketing and Communications Director.

Harlow Family Scholarship

Jim and Sarah Harlow established the Harlow Family Scholarship in 2023 to support Fort Defiance High School graduates in their pursuit of higher education.

We wished to recognize FDHS athletes – one male and one female – who show grit, courage, character, and perseverance. We value the importance of continuing your education after high school and want to make the road a bit easier for individuals who are willing to work hard.

 

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