The WinterSpring community was deeply saddened to learn of “CC” Cindy Fuqua’s sudden death in mid-December. CC trained with WinterSpring in the Fall of 2011 and began soon after to help out around the office with special projects. It wasn’t long until she moved on to co-facilitate support groups. Anya, our Program Manager, was looking forward to inviting CC to be a lead facilitator when we learned the devastating news.

CC’s visits to the office were a source of delight for WinterSpring staff. Her sensitivity, honesty, heartfelt compassion for clients, and sense of humor touched us all. As she gained experience co-leading WinterSpring groups, she seemed to be tapping into her own, authentic voice as well as a deep capacity for listening. “I think I need to put a little more of myself into the group,” CC once said, “…share a little bit of my own experience.” We encouraged her to do so, and it was obvious from the insights and experiences she later shared that this had been key to her finding her feet as a facilitator.

CC blossomed through her work at WinterSpring and with her university studies. After she earned a double Bachelor of Science from SOU, CC was diving in to her first year of the PSU/SOU Master of Social Work program. In addition to volunteering with WinterSpring she’d just been offered an intern position at the VA, which she was hoping might be the first step toward a future career working with veterans. Her excitement about the future and growing confidence in her abilities was infectious, and for many made her sudden exit all the more poignant.

Our staff and co-faciliators comments on how inspiring she was, her courage and determination, her openness, enthusiasm for the work, and how honored we have been to know her and watch the changes in her life. CC truly touched our lives in a meaningful way. In story after story we heard from her husband and friends, CC opened her heart wherever she went and helped in countless ways big and small, simply because it was her nature to do so.