A MANNA Client Who is Back in the Game!

PicMonkey Collage

“It was crazy,” Luz shared. “I had no feelings in my arms. I was having severe headaches and awful back pain. It was really scary.” Luz symptoms were caused by a herniation in her cerebellum called Chairi Malformation.

Luz’ doctor took immediate action and scheduled brain surgery. Next he called for MANNA meals.

Luz is a cancer survivor and has extremely high cholesterol and triglycerides. Her nutritional needs were complex. MANNA was the perfect solution. The heart-healthy meals full of lean proteins and vegetables prepared lovingly in the MANNA kitchen filled all of Luz’ needs. And the little touches brightened her recovery – her wonderful driver and the birthday cake and card. “MANNA sent me a birthday cake, AND even sent a cake for my son when HE turned 14. It was so sweet!”

Luz is healthy again – she is back in the game! MANNA meals helped her heal AND reduced her cholesterol and triglycerides. When you support MANNA, you support clients like Luz who rely on MANNA’s help during a crisis – want to help?

First Annual #MANNAGuac-off

guacblog

On Sunday, June 23, 2013 – we held our very first Guac-off at Fleisher Art Memorial! What started out as an idea from the MANNA Young Friends Committee, turned into a full out event with 12 competitors including Mission Grill, Jose Pistola’s, Philly food truck Guerrilla Ultima and 8 year old superstar Alison Flam. All 12 competitors were tasked with the duty of preparing their signature guacamole recipe and to provide enough samples to feed 130 attendees.

When 6’2 host, Brittany Lynn – don/mother of the Drag Mafia walked into the venue, participants knew they were not only in for some good guacamole tasting but in for some entertainment as well! Outside of Brittany’s witty humor, attendees enjoyed chips, salsa, beverages, music and of course…guacamole!

MANNA’s Executive Chef, Keith Lucas and freelance writer and food enthusiastic, Drew Lazor had the tough job of judging all of the guacamole recipes (rough…right?) through a blind tasting and crowning the grand prize winner.

In the end, Guerrilla Ultima took home first place as Grand Prize winner and walked away with the Guac-off trophy as well as staycation package for 2 night stay at Embassy Suites Philadelphia including  breakfast and cocktail receptions and 2 passes to the Academy of Natural Science . The People’s Choice Award went to Adan Trinidad from Jose Pistola’s who gave his prize ($250 US Airways gift card) to 8 year old competitor Alison Flam- what a gentlemen!

MANNA raised over $3,500 enabling MANNA to provide 972 nourishing meals. To see photos from the event, check out our Facebook album.

The Luckiest Cancer Patient

“I am so lucky.”

Not the words you expect to hear from a man simultaneously battling TWO types of cancer.    Yet, those are the words Don proclaims as he and his wife Dee gaze at each other and discuss illness, life and MANNA meals.  Don,78, is fighting colon AND metastatic liver cancer.

don

The devotion, thankfulness and love both share is evident as they talk.

Don is not just my husband.  He is my best friend,” Dee exclaimed.  “When he became sick it was hard to watch him struggle to eat.  The food he was eating upset his stomach.  He lost 35 pounds.  MANNA is so wonderful.  Don has gained back 10 pounds!  MANNA meals help us in so many ways.”

MANNA meals have increased Don’s energy level and enabled him to continue his fight. And to enjoy and celebrate life.  Thanks to MANNA meals, Don is looking forward to to celebrating his 79th birthday this summer surrounded by family and friends.

Don wanted to share a message with MANNA and every one of our supporters:   “I really thank you.  You give me not just nourishment but LOVE.” Help nourish a neighbor like Don today – Donate.

Summer Grilling just got a little sweeter

Sunny skies, warm nights and the smell of sunscreen – it really is summer! That means it is time to head outdoors and light the grill.

grill

Keep your summer grilling heart healthy by following these MANNA tips:

  • Be creative – veggies, fruit and even pizzas can be great on the grill. 
  • Go low – load up on low fat, high protein foods. Lean sources of protein such as chicken, turkey, fish and vegetable proteins such as veggie burger and dogs are a great alternative to traditional high-fat, high cholesterol grilling fare. Spice it up! Marinating, using spice rubs and adding fresh chopped herbs to your foods prior to cooking adds low-fat goodness and flavor. Just remember to keep your spices low in sodium.
  • Think safety – to avoid any possibility of food borne illness, make sure that your food is cooked to the proper temperature. You also want to cook foods until they are brown but not blackened to avoid adding carcinogens.
  • Dessert Anyone? End your meal with a healthy, grilled dessert. Try grilling fruits such as pineapples, peaches and even bananas topped with cinnamon and ginger…yum!
  • Make it a Meal that Matters – consider inviting  your friends and family and supporting MANNA clients like Donald by grilling a Meal that Matters.

Chef Keith’s Fiery Grilled Fruit  – Serves 4

  • 2 tablespoons rum
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 medium firm unpeeled bananas, peaches or 1/2 fresh pineapple
  1. In a small bowl, combine the rum, honey and cinnamon (add the cayenne pepper if  you are using it). 
  2. Prepare fruit. Cut bananas in half lengthwise, leaving the peel on. If using peaches, cut in half and remove pit; if using pineapple, remove core and slice into 1/2 thick half rounds.
  3. Place fruit cut side down on grill. Cover and grill over medium heat for 3 minutes.
  4. Turn and brush with honey mixture. Cover and grill 5-6 minutes longer or until tender. If using bananas, remove peel. Serve immediately.