For decades, Maxine poured her energy into serving her community. A lifelong leader and advocate, she spent eight years on the Glenarden City Council, two of them as president, and played a major role in passing legislation that brought sidewalks and safer streets to her neighborhood. She also served as president of the Prince George’s County Municipal Association, worked actively in her church, and dedicated herself to her high school alumni association. When neighbors needed a ride to the store or a friend to accompany them to lunch, Maxine was there. “I’ve lived an excellent life. I was always doing something, helping somewhere,” she said. “I just liked being busy and doing good.”
But several years ago, a series of serious health challenges reshaped Maxine’s life. A long history of diabetes had caused her A1C levels – a measurement of her blood sugar – to soar, at one point reaching 13, double a normal range for people with diabetes. She struggled to bring it down. Then came a devastating diagnosis: multiple myeloma, a blood and bone cancer requiring frequent treatments and costly medications. A reaction to her cancer treatment, combined with Brown-Séquard syndrome, left her temporarily unable to use one side of her body. “I couldn’t stand or move,” she recalled. “Everything was connected, and everything was going wrong at the same time.”
That’s when her social worker introduced her to Food & Friends. “She told me she knew about this program that could really help me by eating healthier,” Maxine said. “I’ve been on the service for over a year and a half now, and it really saved me.”
Once she began receiving medically tailored meals, Maxine felt the difference quickly. Her A1C dropped from 13 to 6.5. She lost 30 pounds. She could breathe better, walk more easily, and feel her body recovering. Even her doctor was stunned. “He said, ‘What are you doing?’ I told him, Food & Friends. Everybody wants to know about this food [nutrition] program!”
Beyond the health improvements, the meals eased the financial pressure of managing multiple medications. Maxine mentions how she takes six or seven medications and the high costs have even forced her to seek out grants. “It makes it so I can afford my medical stuff,” she said.
And importantly, the service supports her daughter too, who is on a heart-healthy diet while caring for Maxine full-time. “She’s doing really well on the meals too,” Maxine said proudly.
Maxine loves discovering foods she never thought she’d eat. “I never liked blueberries before. Now I love them. The apples, oranges, pears, I eat all that. Even the squash and zucchini, I never ate them before, and they’re really good.” She laughs a little when she calls the meals “good and healthy food,” emphasizing both qualities with equal appreciation. “Even the snacks are good.”
The delivery volunteers have too become a bright spot in her week. “I love my delivery people. They are just the nicest. They always ask about me when they don’t see me. I appreciate that.”
Today, with her cancer in remission and her diabetes under control, Maxine is focused on living with purpose and encouraging others. “If people have the opportunity to use this program, they need to,” she said. “It will help them, and those healthier habits really stay with you.”
To learn more about Food & Friends’ services and read more client stories like Maxine’s, visit https://foodandfriends.org/our-impact/client-stories/.
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