Three years ago when we started the Pink Dish! program, I had no idea how big it would become.  This was more of a personal story for me, as my family has dealt with breast cancer in a way I’d not wish upon my worst enemies.  But I am proud of how we were able to turn these personal challenges into something positive, harnessing the energy of my co-owners and colleagues at Let’s Dish! to help those in our community who are battling a terrible disease.

Over the years, we have teamed with our customers to provide hundreds and hundreds of free meals for families who in many ways are just like yours or mine.  They lead busy lives.  They try to eat dinner together despite their many other commitments.  They cherish whatever “quality time” they may have together.  Then they get a breast cancer diagnosis and everything turns upside down.  Suddenly the simple things (a game of catch, a story at bedtime) take on special meaning, and daily chores (like cooking and cleaning) become an inordinate challenge.

Let’s Dish! can help any busy family put a healthy meal on the table in a convenient, economical way.  But this “gift” is especially important for families trying to battle their way through cancer.  I know, because I have done it.  When you’re exhausted from surgery recovery and/or cancer treatment it’s so hard to make the effort to get a good dinner on the table.  It’s so important to be properly nourished when your body is fighting a war and having a healthy dinner with little to no effort makes a huge difference.

Last year, I had the privilege of meeting Susan Merrinan and her family, as we presented them with an entire year of free meals from Let’s Dish!  To see their strength, resolve, love, perseverance and gratitude in this difficult situation was one of the highlights of my career.  I was so proud that Let’s Dish! could lend a hand to this family and the many others like them who are facing the challenge of a lifetime.

I hope you’ll join us this year and be part of the Pink Dish! campaign.