The Strange Feeling of Being Full
We first met Christie in January 2025 through Dignity Delivered, our short-term emergency food assistance program. At the time, we were focused on helping her navigate the profound mobility challenges she has faced since a motorcycle accident in her youth, and later, being struck by a car while crossing the street in her wheelchair. When Christie filled out our follow-up survey, she shared that she was facing new, daunting health diagnoses. We were able to reach out and transition her into our monthly delivery program.
Christie recently took the time to write out her story for us. She was worried about "wording things right," but we believe her words are exactly what the world needs to hear. Here is Christie’s journey, in her own words.
Christie’s Journey
My biggest health challenge is my mobility. I was in a very bad motorcycle accident that left me in a wheelchair since I was 18 years old. Later, I was hit by a car while I was trying to get to the bus in a crosswalk. I have severe trauma and damage from my hips down.
Then, in the past six months, I received several new medical diagnoses. The most shocking was non-alcoholic cirrhosis. My liver is extremely damaged. There is no cure, but you can learn to manage it and live longer. I have more bad days than good, and I’m sick a lot.
Becoming part of BJH has changed things for me dramatically. I had changed everything I could in my life, but the one thing that needed to change the most, I couldn't afford: my eating habits and diet. I struggled week-to-week just to eat, so eating healthy was not an option. I couldn't afford it and I couldn't get it home. I don’t have any family left; they are all gone now. Because my mobility is limited, I don’t get out very much. To go to the store by bus is a half-day task that is very tough by myself. When I finally get there, I have to shop according to what I can afford and what I can carry in my lap while in my wheelchair. I can’t get a variety of foods or the foods that are good for me.
This program has blessed me so much. After a couple of weeks of eating healthy food, I felt different. I had energy. It’s crazy how different I felt—my body and my mind felt better. I didn’t want to be in bed all the time.
At first, feeling full was such a weird and unusual feeling. I was so used to my stomach growling all the time, hurting and aching because I was so hungry. It took some time to get used to feeling full and not being hungry all the time. But when I did, it was great!
Plus, my bloodwork is so much better because my body is getting what it needs. My immune system was nonexistent; I stayed in fear of catching a cold or the flu or covid because the doctors told me I might not recover. Now, my immune system is getting stronger. I am putting on weight and finally starting to look so much healthier.
I’m not sure what lies ahead for me with my health, but I want to spend all the time I have left with my son. He is my heart and my world. BJH has also given me the opportunity to interact with others. I spend so much time alone, so it’s wonderful talking to the staff and volunteers. Everyone is just so amazing and kind.
Your generous gift helps us deliver groceries to Christie and neighbors like her over the coming months, ensuring they have the healthy food and vital human connection that empowers them to thrive.
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