HD Warriors: Honoring My Beautiful Friend Stacy Cushenberry

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 Hello and happy summer to you all!

I’ve been thinking about what to share with you next, and I kept coming back to this feeling in my heart about highlighting another amazing HD warrior. Her name is Stacy Cushenberry, and if you’ve ever had the privilege of meeting her, you know just how special she is.

Stacy was the very first person I met at my very first HDSA National Convention, many years ago. I remember feeling so overwhelmed at that event, unsure of what to expect. And then I met Stacy—and just like that, I didn’t feel so alone anymore.

Her story is powerful. Stacy lost her mom to Huntington’s disease when she was younger. She later got tested and found out she does not carry the HD gene. But her younger brother tested positive and is now symptomatic. He is married and has a little one, and he is incredibly talented—every year at the convention, he would play guitar and sing in the talent show, always touching everyone’s hearts.

Stacy has never let go of this community, even though she tested negative. She’s poured her heart and soul into helping others, especially young people affected by HD. She served as the very first president of the HDSA National Youth Alliance (NYA) for many years. She helped plan NYA Day and played a major role in organizing the annual talent show and silent auction—events that raised money for youth scholarships to attend the conventions. I was one of the people blessed by that support. I’ll never forget it.

She is truly one of the most inspiring people I know—beautiful inside and out. She is strong, smart, funny, and full of light. She is also a proud mom of three: a son and two daughters. Her husband Jerry is amazing too—kind, supportive, and the perfect match for her.

We became fast friends, and now I consider her family. We’re the same age, which makes it even easier to relate and stay connected. What I admire most about Stacy is her unwavering faith in God and her bold, beautiful personality. She lights up a room and pours love into everyone she meets.

Stacy, I love you so much. Thank you for showing up, for staying involved, and for leading with compassion and strength. You’ve made such a difference in my life and in the lives of so many others in the HD community.

To those reading, I hope this reminds you of the power of connection, love, and faith—because sometimes, meeting the right person can change everything.

With love,
Ashley 💙



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