Vickie’s Full Story
Each client we serve has their own story and unique diagnosis.
In March 2016, Vickie was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and pulmonary embolism. At the time of her diagnosis, she had extensive fluid, swelling and blood clots. She was very sick and in need of immediate treatment, especially since the cancer had already spread to her liver and bones.
Self-employed, living alone, and with no family nearby, her diagnosis was daunting, both physically and financially. As a result of surgery, treatment and numerous hospitalizations, Vickie was unable to work most of 2016.
She was too ill and too weak to shop for herself, and she had little money to buy groceries, especially the healthy fruits and vegetables that her body needed. When repeated attempts to sign up for food stamps proved too physically challenging, Vickie’s social worker referred her to Food & Friends to receive our Home-Delivered Meal services.
Home Delivered Meals are designed by our registered dietitians and medically-tailored to address illness symptoms and improve health outcomes through nutrition. They are carefully and lovingly prepared for our clients and delivered six days a week by our staff and volunteers.
“Food & Friends is such a huge blessing in my life!” said Vickie. “The meals are delicious, healthy and properly portioned so that I not only feel full, I feel good knowing that I am eating fresh fruits and vegetables and not fast, or processed foods. Food & Friends allows me peace of mind.”
For the second year now, with your support, Vickie will be receiving a full turkey dinner, delivered by a Food & Friends volunteer, on Thanksgiving Day. And while she’ll be celebrating the holiday with just her cat, she says the meal from Food & Friends is important to her.
“I’m going through stage 4 cancer, and it’s definitely harder around the holidays. My spirits would be pretty low if it weren’t for you guys. It warms my heart in ways you don’t even know. Food & Friends is like an extended family, in addition to the services you provide every day.”
Want to help Food & Friends support clients like Vickie? Learn more on our volunteer page or click here to donate!