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Patricia's Story
Patricia (second from right) and members of our Client Services Team
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You can see it in her smile. Although Patricia has been battling breast cancer since 1995, her optimism and her positive attitude remain undaunted.

When Patricia’s breast cancer returned last year, Project Open Hand joined in her battle, providing healthy groceries to ensure she gets the essential nutrition she needs to stay strong and continue to recover.

“Before I started getting food from Project Open Hand, I was eating a lot of cereal,” said Patricia, who lives on a tight budget after losing her husband to liver cancer.  “I’m still fighting my cancer. I know I need to eat right, but life is expensive and most of my paycheck goes to my rent.”

“Getting groceries and meals has helped me close the gaps in my budget and get the healthy food I need,” Patricia said. “Getting help from Project Open Hand helps me keep going, keep fighting.  I won’t give up.”

Ironically, Patricia visited Project Open Hand dozens of times before she ever became a client.  As a home health-care aid for some of our critically ill clients, she often came to our San Francisco Grocery Center to help clients do their weekly shopping or to pick up meals on their behalf.

“One day when I was in the Grocery Center with a client, I thought to myself, I’m just going to ask. Maybe I can get some help, too,” she said.

When asked which foods she most enjoys from Project Open Hand, Patricia said, “I love the bell peppers and the turkey.  I’m not a big fruit eater, but I take the fresh produce I get and make great smoothies.  And I’m trying new foods, too.  I’d never had sunflower seed butter before, but I’ve tried it and it’s really good!  I can really see how nutritious and good the food is for me.”

Patricia also enjoys being part of the caring community at Project Open Hand:  “I love coming in for my groceries, or for my clients, and talking with the volunteers and staff.  Everyone is so nice.  It’s not just about getting the food and leaving.  They really know how to make me feel welcome – treating me in the same way that I care for my clients.  I really appreciate that.”

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