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#KeepingTheFaith: David Huggins, an amputee, hosts fundraising concert for eye surgery

A fundraising event to assist David Huggins with eye surgery is carded for Indian Arrival Day, Tuesday, May 30 at Queen’s Hall. Tickets for ‘For the Love of Music’ cost $200.

The Catholic News last spoke to Huggins in 2020 for his “debut” performance of ‘Hallelujah’ at a Mass on the second Sunday of Easter.

Also worth mentioning is his rendition of ‘Panis Angelicus’ (Bread of the Angels) at Corpus Christi Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in June 2020.

At that time, Huggins, an amputee, hosted a concert in 2018 ‘Stand for Love’ to raise funds for a prosthetic leg. He has been wheelchair bound since 2017.

Huggins is now experiencing retinal damage which has left him blind in his left eye.

“I’m accepting everything from God. Nobody would see it [referring to his blindness]. One morning, I got up and say, ‘what going on with me’? Just wiping the eye and not seeing anything. It starts as floaters in the eye and then get bigger,” Huggins told The Catholic News.

He has undergone laser treatment since September 2022 to save the right eye. “The eye is basically settled. I can’t see at day. I have to wear shades…nighttime ok but things like car numbers I’m unable to see,” he explained. Huggins is having the procedure at a private facility.

Huggins, 56, and diabetic, is not a recipient of a disability grant, nor is he receiving social welfare. He explained he attains funds from his services as a professional vocalist and doing commercials.

Huggins’ goal is to raise $36,000 – $40,000. He mentioned he hoped to have “400 seats sold” at Queen’s Hall. “I ent greedy,” he said, noting that the Hall has a seating capacity for 700 persons.

‘For the Love of Music’ will include performances by Huggins, Alicia Jaggasar, Christian Mendez, Christopher Wilcox, College Boy Jesse, Debra Bartholomew, Emmanuel Joseph, Marcia Miranda, Natasha Babwah Tim-Kee, Nigel Rojas, Rico DG, Sergio & Cutterz, The Lesley Lewis Experience, St James Tassa Drummers, Wayne Dopson and Frenz in Muzik.

Showtime is 6.30 p.m.

Commenting on his concerts, Huggins boasted “my shows always have a reputation of a variety of things.” He coined the show as entertainment for the entire family.

During the interview Huggins’ upbeat personality radiated throughout. “The message I want to get out to amputees is just try and have some faith. If you don’t have faith in government, have faith in God. Look at me and hear my voice. I’m not sounding like I weak or anything but at the end of the day, I’m without but I’m contented. And it’s very hard for people to say that.”

He continued, “They always want. When I lost my leg, the first thing that came to my mind is how I going to pay my bills and every bill continues to be paid till now. I continue to ask God for health and strength,” Huggins said.

Tickets are available Queen’s Hall Box Office or online at queenshalltt.com