Project Angel Heart’s purpose is to deliver comfort and support through high-quality nutrition services, including medically tailored meals, while also advocating for the principles of “Food is Medicine.” Regardless of a person’s background or circumstances, they believe everyone should have access to the nutrition they need—especially when they’re sick.

Each week in Project Angel Heart’s kitchen, they create meals from scratch, made in partnership with a registered dietitian, that are tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of people living with severe illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, HIV/AIDS, and more.

This year, Project Angel Heart will home-deliver 815,000 meals to neighbors in need across Colorado.

Merrissere’s Story: Meals Help Recent Retiree Feel Stronger, Focus on Recovery After Stomach Cancer

Merrissere, a 74-year-old recent retiree with a love for travel, received a life-altering diagnosis: Stage 3 gastric cancer. It came as a shock, as her only symptom was persistent acid reflux. “I had no idea I had cancer,” Merrissere said. “I was enjoying life, went on a cruise with friends, and then I found out I had a mass in my stomach. I was in disbelief.”

Living with Type 2 diabetes, Merrissere was accustomed to staying on top of her health. However, her first rounds of chemotherapy and radiation brought challenges for which she wasn’t prepared. The treatments sapped her energy. She lost 10 pounds in one week.

Merrissere’s treatment also included significant surgery to remove her tumor. “They took 60 percent of my stomach, and I had problems digesting food,” she said. She tried store-bought microwaveable meals, but they upset her stomach.

That’s when her health care team at Kaiser Permanente referred her for Project Angel Heart’s meal program. “I didn’t know what ‘medically tailored meals’ meant. I learned it means these meals are made just for me and where I am in my life right now,” she said, touching her heart with a smile.

Since receiving meals from Project Angel Heart, Merrissere feels stronger. Her A1C, a test showing blood sugar, improved significantly, going from nearly 8 to 6.5. The Project Angel Heart meals also are easier for her to digest and have helped her regain energy.

Now in remission for four months, Project Angel Heart meals have allowed Merrissere to focus on recovery. She’s also looking ahead. “I want to travel again. And if I get my strength back, I’d like to deliver Project Angel Heart meals,” she added.

Gobble Gobble Give

This Thanksgiving, give thanks by delivering meals directly to severely ill neighbors in need like Merrissere. Project Angel Heart is organizing their largest-ever delivery day on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and need 400 volunteers to make it happen—lots of roles, lots of shifts, lots of joy! Deliver meals with your family. Package meals with your friends. Join in!

Not able to volunteer? Make a gift to provide meals instead. Learn more at ProjectAngelHeart.org/gobble

DENVER OFFICE & KITCHEN: 4950 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 | (303) 830-0202

COLORADO SPRINGS OFFICE: 1625 W. Uintah St., Suite I, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 | (719) 323-0084