A cancer diagnosis can result in lots of changes — physically, mentally and socially. For cancer patients with limited financial resources and personal support, these experiences can be significantly compounded.
When it comes to proper nutrition, studies show malnourishment may result in a cancer patient being at higher risk for complications and death following surgical procedures. Research from the American Cancer Society shows a diet of increased protein is essential to help heal tissue and fight infection after cancer treatments.
This week, Meals on Wheels announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at serving low-income cancer patients. The effort, funded by a $75,000 grant from Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, in partnership with the Lilly Foundation, will seek to provide two medically tailored meals a day to approximately 100 Little Red Door clients undergoing active cancer treatment.
The meals, which are prepared at eight local hospitals and three health care facilities, will be delivered by a group of volunteer drivers, Monday through Friday. The volunteers will also perform wellness checks on the clients.
Barb Renshaw, volunteer development director with Meals on Wheels, said for them, this program has a personal connection.
“Our executive director, Barb Morris, is a cancer survivor, and through her contacts that she’s made through Indy Hunger Network and other places, she saw there was a need for low-income cancer patients to be served,” Renshaw said. “There are a lot of needs that come into play for people in that situation — when they’re faced with a diagnosis and have to go through chemo and surgery, it can be overwhelming. We thought we could fill at least the food portion to help these patients with what they need while they’re going through cancer treatment and afterward.”
The major focus of the meal delivery initiative, according to organizers, is to not only provide sustenance, but also to supply patients with education on how healthy eating can positively impact cancer survivors and their loved ones for many years to come.
Elanco, whose corporate mission includes a commitment to raising awareness about global security, shared that this was an ideal partnership.
“The power of collaboration is really apparent here when you think about Meals on Wheels with Little Red Door to address a critical unmet need,” said Noel Paul, Elanco’s global leader of corporate social responsibility. “It’s a great example of collaborating across bases.”
For more information on this initiative and other Little Red Door services, visit littlereddoor.org.
