Meals Give DJ ‘a Piece of Independence’
DJ was born with a genetic condition that makes him especially sensitive to poor air quality and pollution. In his early twenties, he found it increasingly difficult to catch his breath while doing everyday activities. Though he recognized something was wrong, he was hesitant to seek help.
Without health insurance, DJ started making stark tradeoffs to address his failing lungs, including using a family member’s oxygen concentrator to help him breathe. “Everything seemed out of reach,” he shared. “I couldn’t do anything without insurance.”
In 2010, DJ was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)—a lung disease that can make it difficult to complete even simple tasks. After receiving the diagnosis, DJ felt his independence—something he always treasured—slowly slipping away.
Initially, it meant giving up his favorite pastimes like riding his motorcycle. Gradually, the situation worsened. Tasks like grocery shopping and cooking became nearly impossible. Without the energy or stamina to access healthy food, DJ turned to fast food. He quickly started gaining weight. “All I ate was fast food. I knew it wasn’t healthy or good for me, but it was all I could do at the time,” he said.
The weight gain led to additional medical challenges. With his lung function reduced to just 10 to 12 percent, DJ’s doctor told him he needed to lose weight to qualify for a double lung transplant. That’s when his medical team referred him to Project Angel Heart.
Learning he would receive nutritious meals delivered straight to his door, free of charge, brought DJ so much relief. He shared, “I moved in with my father and sister because I could no longer do things on my own. I need help with almost everything now. My dad is 82 years old, and my sister works two jobs. The last thing I want to do when she comes home is ask her to make me a meal.”
Because Project Angel Heart’s medically tailored meals are made with fresh, quality ingredients and part of a menu suited to people living with COPD, DJ felt the impact immediately.
“Having healthy meals ready to go in my freezer allows me to do something for myself again. It’s one less thing I have to worry about,” he continued.
Since receiving Project Angel Heart meals, DJ no longer relies on fast food. He has the nutrition he needs without the processed ingredients that take a toll on his health. What’s more, the meals from Project Angel Heart have contributed to DJ’s 60-pound weight loss, setting him on the path to qualify for a double lung transplant. “The best part about getting Project Angel Heart meals is getting a piece of my independence back,” DJ shared.