Help For a Restaurant Manager When a Medical Crisis Hits

For more than 20 years, Wesam has worked in restaurants because he loves the energy of the hospitality industry. As a restaurant manager in Morgantown, West Virginia, he believes food service is about more than meals — it’s about how you make people feel. He loves the exciting atmosphere where he can connect with people and build relationships with the team and guests while enjoying his passion for serving/cooking food. “We do serve food and beverages, yet we are sharing feelings that could last forever, said Wesam. “It’s all about how you feel and let others feel it. People may forget what they ate, but most likely they won’t forget how you made them feel!”

Early this year, everything changed for him and his family.

Wesam was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive chemotherapy. The treatment left him bedridden. While he focused on surviving each round of chemo, bills continued to pile up — rent, electricity, gas, and water. Like many food service workers, missing work meant losing income quickly.

With a referral from a social worker, Wesam applied for financial assistance through Giving Kitchen. The process was simple. The support covered months of rent and utilities, giving him the breathing room to focus on his health and his family instead of eviction notices.

Receiving his award letter gave him renewed strength heading into what he hopes will be his final chemotherapy session.

“It’s peace of mind,” he said. “They put me back on hope.”

Wesam is clear about one thing: financial assistance is one part of getting back to stability. Treatment, recovery, community, and support systems all play a role. But when you work in food service, and a medical crisis hits, timely help can make the difference between focusing on healing and facing housing loss.

Today, Wesam says he feels optimistic and ready to keep fighting.

If you’re a food service worker facing illness, injury, housing disaster, or the loss of a loved one, you are not alone. In an industry where showing up is everything, stepping away to care for your health can feel overwhelming — especially when bills don’t pause with you.

Asking For Help isn’t easy. But support exists, and the process can be simpler than you think. Reaching out can be one practical step toward stability while you focus on healing and taking care of your family.

“Giving Kitchen gives hope,” Wesam says. “Life can be good again.”