Barbara is resilient. Her health journey has been challenging, but she always perseveres and remains positive.
Barbara has regularly visited Cleveland Clinic Akron General for the past 25 years. Many years ago, she was diagnosed with skin cancer. She’s also had a heart attack and suffered broken bones from falls.
Now at 75, she has frequent check-ins with various doctors to ensure stable health.
Though she has navigated several health emergencies, she remains strong for the people around her. She used to take care of her mother. Now, she helps take care of her younger sister, who is housebound, by washing her hair and trimming her fingernails.
Barbara retired just seven years ago when the bakery where she was employed unexpectedly shut down. She always loved working. Before the bakery closed, she worked as a hairstylist for decades and still cuts her own hair.
As an older adult, Barbara must budget on a fixed income. She recently started visiting the food pantry within the hospital for help with groceries. It is the first time in her life that she had visited a pantry.
Barbara is grateful for the nourishing food the pantry provides. She often receives low-sodium and low-carb foods that align with her diet. She loves receiving carrots, potatoes and beans to make a delicious vegetable soup.
“I’ve been going through so much,” Barbara says emotionally. “This pantry helps me a lot.”