Home, Heart, and Community: The Sandhu-Narayana Family's Life in Chancellorsville
Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography
For Drs. Ankur Sandhu and Avinash Narayana, life in Chancellorsville has blossomed beyond their expectations. In their close-knit community, they have built a life that reflects their dedication to family, service, and mutual support, a sentiment underscored by their love for the area's natural beauty and rich community involvement.
Ankur, a nephrologist and former critical care physician, and Avinash, a trauma surgeon, first crossed paths over a disagreement in the ER at Henry Ford Hospital. "We met in 2009 at Henry Ford, in the ER. We disagreed with each other's management of a patient, and the rest is history!" Ankur recalls with a laugh. That initial spark developed into a partnership grounded in shared goals and mutual respect. Today, they balance busy professional lives and a warm family dynamic with their two daughters and rescue dogs.
After years of practicing critical care, Ankur decided to step away from the intensity of hospital work to focus on her family, a move that reflects her values. "I needed to be more present for my family. I needed a better work-life balance," she says, acknowledging the challenges that come with balancing a medical career and raising young children. Ankur's transition has allowed her more time to engage with her daughters' interests, volunteer in their community, and, as she puts it, "be fully there for the people who mean the most."
Their daughters, Anika (nicknamed Ana), age 8, and Mili, age 5, are the heart of the family. Ana and Mili share a love for ballet, where they enjoy the expressive, disciplined environment of dance. But it's in Taekwondo where they truly thrive, building skills and confidence that their parents encourage. "The girls love ballet but thrive in Taekwondo," Ankur shares proudly. "It's so empowering to watch them grow through it." As they participate in these activities, the family finds additional fulfillment by giving back to the community, often through volunteer work at local animal shelters.
Their home wouldn't be complete without their rescue dogs, Cleo and Oakley. Cleo, affectionately known as "Big Mama," is a nurturing presence in the household. "Cleo is so nurturing and always loves cuddling with the kids," Ankur says, sharing how all cherish Cleo's comforting presence. The family welcomed Oakley, a puppy, from a local shelter to keep Cleo company after losing Brutus, their beloved "heart dog," last year. Oakley's boundless energy and loyalty have helped heal the family after their loss. "We rescued him for Cleo," Ankur explains. "Oakley has brought a lot of joy and excitement back into our home."
In 2016, Ankur and Avinash decided to move to Spotsylvania, drawn by the area's supportive community, scenic surroundings, and active lifestyle opportunities. Now, eight years later, they know they made the right choice. "There is so much to do here, with so much community support," Ankur says. "We're fortunate to live in such a vibrant, connected place." From the area's biking trails to the community's friendly atmosphere, the Sandhu-Narayana family appreciates every aspect of their adopted home.
When asked about their favorite local spots, Ankur lights up, talking about their outings on the Rappahannock River and day trips to Shenandoah National Park. "We love doing activities on the Rappahannock River," she shares, highlighting their love for the outdoors. Quick getaways to Shenandoah give them a chance to reset in nature, blending relaxation with adventure.
"Anything beach and mountains satisfies all our family's needs," Ankur explains. "Frequent breaks are needed to recharge." These small escapes, she says, help them find balance and stay connected as a family.
Their sense of community extends to their neighborhood, where Ankur has taken an active role in local events. "I was the hydration station for our July 4th run and our community triathlon," she recalls, sharing how she and her neighbors come together to support these events. "This tri was a great success thanks to Jeff and all of the volunteers," she says, acknowledging the importance of community involvement. Ankur also recently launched an electrolyte supplement, Dr. Raindrop, after realizing, "we needed cleaner and better electrolyte supplements," so she keeps finding ways to help the community.
As a couple with demanding careers, Ankur and Avinash deeply respect each other's work and contributions. Avinash continues to work as a trauma surgeon, a role he finds fulfilling despite the long hours and high stakes. "My husband loves working in our community," Ankur says. His commitment to patient care and trauma work reflects his dedication to making a positive difference, and it's a source of pride for the whole family.
For the Sandhu-Narayana family, living in Spotsylvania is about more than just convenience; it's about finding a place that matches their values of compassion, community, and wellness. Ankur describes the area as a blend of opportunities for both personal and professional fulfillment. "There are great places to bike, run, and walk," she says, emphasizing the local amenities that support an active lifestyle. Beyond the recreational activities, she values the neighbors and friendships they have found, calling the community "a truly special place."
Reflecting on the years since arriving in Spotsylvania, Ankur feels a deep gratitude for the community that's helped shape her family's life. "Living here has given us a place to grow and share in a way we didn't expect," she shares.
And with each season, the Sandhu-Narayanas look forward to deepening their roots in the community. Though marked by demanding careers and major life transitions, their journey has ultimately led them to a place they are proud to call home. They plan to continue their community involvement, explore more of the area's natural beauty, and foster their daughters' interests and talents in Spotsylvania.
