Krockpot Brigade offers food, caring for cancer

Ashley Dicksa prepares chicken in behalf of the Krockpot Brigade, a ministry of Byron (Calif.) United Methodist Church that provides meals for cancer patients and their families. UMNS photos by John Gordon.

By John Gordon*

BYRON, Calif. (UMNS)-While Patty Pulley's husband was being treated for cancer, she often opened her front door to find someone bringing dinner for her family.

"It was a big help because being busy with the five kids and … going back and forth to the hospital, it was one day a week that I didn't have to worry about (cooking)," says Pulley, who is raising her grandchildren.

"I knew that the meal was going to be there. I knew it was going to be good," she says. "I wouldn't have to worry about anything."

The weekly meals were delivered to her home by members of the Krockpot Brigade, a ministry of Byron United Methodist Church. Since its launch in 2006, Krockpot volunteers have prepared more than 1,500 meals for cancer patients and their families.

"We often say when you're diagnosed with cancer, it's like a bomb going off in the living room," says church member Jan Page. "Everybody is touched by it."

A two-time cancer survivor, Page founded the church's Kaleidoscope program, which includes the Krockpot Brigade, support groups and other cancer-related services.

"What we try to do is provide the meal the day the person goes to chemo or to radiation, so that no one has to worry about it when they get home at night," explains Sharon Bonney, who co-chairs the meals ministry.

"We offer them hope," adds Sandra Baque, the other co-chair. "We offer them connection and friendship. And we do it with kindness and love."

The group has recruited more than 40 volunteer cooks, including professional caterers. Ashley Dicksa likes to use recipes passed down from her grandparents and mother.

"It gives me joy in seeing somebody else enjoy what they're eating and maybe taking just a little bit of stress that they had for that day off them," says Dicksa. "I feel like when you cook, it's something that makes people happy."

The brigade serves more than healthy food, however. Volunteers also encourage those receiving meals to take advantage of the other support services at the church.

"The support group, I think, has literally been a lifesaver for a lot of the caregivers who go and get support from other caregivers who are there," says Bonney, whose mother died of cancer.

"And they realize that they're not alone and they're not going through this by themselves."

As part of the meals ministry, a weedy lot beside the church was cleared last year for an organic garden to grow broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage and other vegetables.

"It's a lot of fun to work out here and a very good group of people to work with," says Jeff Lewis, who started the garden.

Kristine Davis is among those enjoying the harvests. She received meals and visits after her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. "The support and the love from the Krockpot Brigade and from everyone helping, it's just a tremendous help," says Davis.

For Patty Pulley, whose husband, Chuck, died in 2007, she is thankful for the good food-and the compassion-of the Krockpotters.

"It's just like a Christmas gift," says Pulley. "They come in and they give you the gift of caring."

*Gordon is a freelance producer in Marshall, Texas.