The Story

I lost my wonderful mother, Irma, to cancer. As her caretaker, I witnessed how my mother’s distorted palate turned eating, one of life’s greatest pleasures, into a chore. Eating would often exacerbate symptoms of the disease and the side-effects from chemotherapy treatments. When she passed away, I vowed I would honor her memory and love of cooking, by helping people with cancer.

The Need

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be almost 77,000 new cancer patients in the Washington, D.C. metro area this year. Additionally, there are many people who receive treatment over several years, are in remission, or are survivors all of whom need nourishment to promote their health and wellness.

While working in the D.C. area as a holistic personal chef, I have heard too many stories about patients not wanting to eat because they fear that eating will exacerbate their symptoms. Caretakers are overwhelmed and stressed because they do not know what to prepare for loved ones who will not eat what they prepare for them.

Since our meals are compatible with the symptoms of the disease and the side-effects of its treatments, people are able to eat without worrying that the food will make them ill.

The Facts

Without proper nourishment, cancer patients cannot stay strong to fight and heal. National Cancer Institute studies show:

  • Cachexia plays a role in at least one in five cancer deaths.
  • Patients who stay well-nourished, have a better quality of life:
    • They tolerate treatment better.
    • They have shorter hospital stays.
  • Patients who are able to maintain their “pre-cancer” weight have a better prognosis who lose just 5% during treatment.

Our Goal

To support cancer patients and their caregivers by providing nutrient dense, plant based, meals that keep patients nourished so they can fight their disease and heal. We want to:

  • Make eating pleasurable again, by nurturing palates distorted by treatment.
  • Strengthen weakened immune systems with meals rich in immune-boosting antioxidants and organic ingredients
  • Care for individuals who are too weak, fragile, nauseated to cook for themselves
  • Assist survivors in staying well-nourished so they can keep cancer at bay
  • Support stressed and worried caretakers
  • Educate the public, especially young people, about the role nutrition plays in preventing disease
For more information, please contact marcia@thenurturedpalate.org or call us at (240) 603-6538.

Copyright © 2018 The Nurtured Palate