You’re Helping Cancer Patients Get Better

Recently, Second Harvest opened the first therapeutic food pantry in Louisiana at the New Orleans University Medical Center Cancer Center. Incoming patients in need of healthier food options can access this pantry for high-quality, nutritious food.

Gay Carroll is one of those patients, and is very grateful for the support it gives.

“It means I don’t have to worry about getting food, or worry about getting food at the end of the month. That’s a real concern for someone in my position,” she said. “It has helped me to eat better and feel better. I have more energy to do more things, and if feel like it has helped me survive this condition.”

Ms. Carroll is a fighter, and is responding well to treatments.

“I have stage four breast cancer, but the doctors say I’m responding well. It’s great that this pantry is here in the hospital, where people need it. It’s been a really great project.”

Dr. Adam Riker, surgical oncologist and Director of the Breast Health Program at UMC, says the therapeutic food pantry has absolutely made a positive impact.

“It’s been an incredible transformation for our patients, because now they realize how they feel now that they’re eating so much better,” Dr. Riker told us. ”They’ve got more energy, they can get through their treatments a lot easier because they’re eating a higher quality of foods. More importantly, we are benefiting their immune system, which is so important for our cancer patients.”

Our deepest thanks to the generous support of Baptist Community Ministries, Methodist Health System, and Blue Cross / Blue Shield Foundation of Louisiana for making this important project possible.