A Virginia family faces hardship after a government shutdown furloughed the father, leaving them without income during a son’s hospitalization and a mother’s cancer diagnosis.

A Virginia federal employee family is enduring severe financial and emotional strain as the ongoing government shutdown left Mike Daugherty, a Department of Defense accountant, furloughed without pay since October 10. The crisis intensified when their special-needs son suffered a seizure requiring hospitalization, and Shayna Daugherty was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. With no income, the family has relied on retirement savings, church support, a GoFundMe campaign, and community meals. Their car also broke down during the shutdown. Despite the hardships, they express gratitude for their support network and hope for a resolution to the political impasse.