Roxine’s Journey: How Giving Kitchen Brought Light During Her Battle with Breast Cancer

For over three years, Roxine brought her bright smile and dedication to her role as a cashier in the food service industry in Norfolk, VA. Roxine loves working with people and was drawn to the industry for the opportunity to create memorable experiences for her customers. But the career she loves was put on pause when she faced an overwhelming health crisis: a breast cancer diagnosis.

The diagnosis came with its own set of battles—endless medical appointments, the fatigue from chemotherapy, and navigating the emotional weight of her illness. On top of that, the financial strain of being unable to work began to mount. Bills started stacking up, and Roxine worried about how she could possibly keep her home and utilities running while she focused on her health.

Thankfully, Roxine’s workplace community stepped in. Her manager let her know about Giving Kitchen, a compassionate network dedicated to supporting food service workers through crises like hers. When Roxine reached out, she found the process of applying for financial assistance to be simple and straightforward. What followed was “life-changing,” as Roxine mentioned in her statement of gratitude.

Through financial assistance from Giving Kitchen, Roxine was able to pay two months of rent, her water bill, and her light bill. Just as importantly, the organization connected her with valuable Stability Network resources for housing and utilities, and medical support to help her maintain overall stability. These resources didn’t just impact Roxine’s immediate needs—they helped her focus on what mattered most: her health and recovery.

“If it wasn’t for Giving Kitchen, my bills would have pretty much cut off one by one because my chemotherapy leaves me too tired and unable to work with all the medication they give me,” Roxine shared. But instead of the worry and fear of losing her home, she found light in the compassion Giving Kitchen offered.

Roxine expressed deep gratitude not just for the assistance, but for the kind, understanding support she felt from the Giving Kitchen team. “Giving Kitchen is very, very helpful,” she said. “I appreciate it so much. I feel so much relief in my heart that we were able to see the lights in my house.”

Roxine’s message to others in the food service industry who may be navigating tough times is simple: “Go to Giving Kitchen. They are a wonderful help.”

Giving Kitchen provides more than financial assistance—they offer relief, connection, and care during life’s darkest days. To food service workers like Roxine battling unexpected crises, that support can mean the world. This is why Giving Kitchen exists: to stand with resilient, hardworking individuals like Roxine and remind them that even in the hardest times, they’re never alone.