Meals Help Carol ‘Re-Enter the World’
When her husband of 60 years was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Carol quickly became his primary caregiver despite living with severe osteoporosis—a condition that causes bone breaks and fractures. Like many caregivers attending to a sick loved one, Carol forgot about her own needs. She started skipping meals, and her health declined quickly.
“Edward was my only focus at the time,” she shared.
Although she thought they would have several more years together, Edward passed only a few months later. Without family and a support system, this sudden loss left Carol grieving, tired, and alone. Her weight became dangerously low, and she was diagnosed with protein-calorie malnutrition, which, if prolonged, can result in changes in organ function.
After dropping to a mere 89 pounds, Carol’s doctor referred her to Project Angel Heart.
Since starting on our program, Carol has noticed an immediate impact on her health. She added that having healthy meals in her freezer serves as a reminder to eat. “Sometimes I wouldn’t have an appetite, but I’d still take out a meal and heat it up, and then before I know it, it’s all gone,” she said with a smile.
What’s more, Carol has gained eight pounds and has more energy. She began attending community music events, volunteering with her church, and started working on her yard. Carol said, “Since receiving Project Angel Heart meals, I feel like I re-entered the world.”
“Without Project Angel Heart, I’d be home all day. I’d probably still be alive, but I wouldn’t be thriving like I am now,” she continued.