Meals Give Client Cheryl Nourishment, Connection, and a Place at the Table

For years, Greeley resident Cheryl didn’t understand why she felt so unwell. With a degree in kinesiology, she once led exercise classes—but that chapter of her life felt like a distant memory. Simple tasks, like answering the door, left her breathless. She was eventually put on oxygen.

Then came the diagnoses—first heart failure, followed by kidney disease (caused by complications from her heart treatment), pulmonary hypertension, and then rheumatoid arthritis. Each condition added to her fatigue and left her struggling to keep up with daily life. Grocery shopping and cooking became overwhelming. Figuring out what she could eat with so many dietary restrictions felt nearly impossible. She needed food that was low carb, low potassium, and low sodium.

“I would eat two protein bars a day,” Cheryl shared. “I’d be done with my ‘meal’ in minutes. But at least I was eating.”

Food stopped being a source of joy—and so did mealtimes. Cheryl no longer ate with her family. “We were living in two separate households,” she said. “Even though we were under the same roof.”

Everything changed during a visit to pulmonary rehab. While speaking with a new dietitian about her challenges, the dietitian mentioned Project Angel Heart and encouraged Cheryl to apply. Skeptical but hopeful, Cheryl gave it a try. Her first meal was smoked pork with kidney-friendly sides.

“It was like a new day dawning,” she said. “I couldn’t believe someone would make food just for me—that I could actually eat. I looked forward to dinner for the first time in a long time.”

Now, with a hot, nourishing meal every day, Cheryl has rediscovered something even more meaningful: family.

“I’m eating at the table again with my son, my daughter-in-law, and my grandkids. Project Angel Heart gave me back family dinners.”

Since starting the program, Cheryl has worked closely with Project Angel Heart’s registered dietitians to better understand her nutritional needs. She’s also joined “Meals with Heart,” our virtual gathering space for clients to connect and share experiences with others facing similar diagnoses.

When asked what Project Angel Heart means to her, Cheryl doesn’t hesitate. “The organization is named perfectly,” she said. “This program has helped me feel connected and loved.”