Living
with cancer is challenging – no matter what the circumstances. But for those
with a limited income, or no income, a cancer diagnosis can present seemingly
insurmountable obstacles.
Connie, 65, understands this
all too well. She is one of over 2,000 breast cancer clients to have received meals or groceries from Food & Friends. Without those nutritious groceries, Connie would be skipping meals and
putting her health at greater risk.
Connie learned about Food &
Friends during a visit to Washington Hospital Center, where she was being
fitted for a wig. “I was crying,” she recalls, “because I couldn’t afford the
wig, but also because I couldn’t afford to buy food.”
Founded
at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Food & Friends expanded its mission
in the year 2000 to meet the growing needs of people in our region living with
cancer.
A
special education professional at John F. Kennedy High School in Wheaton,
Maryland, Connie was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. Since then, she has
been treated with chemotherapy and radiation – twice. As a result, she
exhausted her annual leave and sick leave. On top of that, she has no family in
this area that she could rely on for emotional or financial support.
At
her lowest point, Connie would go the entire workday without eating. She
occasionally borrowed money from co-workers for lunch. Other times she would
tell them, “I’ll eat when I get home” or “I’m dieting.”
“I was living on the edge,” she says. “Until
Food & Friends came along.”
Twice
a month, she now receives four bags of fresh food and pantry staples through
Food & Friends’ “Groceries to Go” program. With two weeks’ supply of food,
she prepares healthy meals like chicken breast sautéed with onions and garlic
over brown rice or turkey burgers with a side of greens.
Connie believes that having access to nutritious food has improved her health. She has
more energy and gets sick less often. In turn, she adds, “I feel more confident
at work.”
“When you have cancer, you feel bad
enough as it is,” Connie says. “Your self-esteem is low. You are living with
uncertainly about the future. A good meal is not only a boost to your
confidence, but a comfort like nothing else.”
Food &
Friends Holiday Toy Drive!
Food & Friends is currently accepting toys for children of
all ages but are especially in need of gifts for kids age 10-17. Individual
gifts should not exceed $25 and can include gift cards. We are also accepting
donations of gift wrap and tape. 
