Susan Bratton, a former finance executive, is bringing more than 25 years of experience representing healthcare corporations to the table with her new Manhattan-based company, Meals to Heal. The startup will offer weekly home delivery of fresh, nutrient-dense meals to cancer patients in the contiguous 48 states.
After witnessing close friends and family suffering from cancer, Bratton noticed their urgent need for high-qualityfoods and the difficulty both patients and caregivers had finding healthy meals that mitigated the side effects of cancer treatment. Lack of proper nutrition contributed to fatigue, weight loss, weakened immune systems and depression. According to Susan Bratton, “The time and energy it takes to properly prepare food can be extremely taxing on patients, as well as caregivers. And they often don’t know what meals will alleviate nutritional side effects. Poor nutrition is indicated in 50 to 80 percent of all cancer patients. We hope to help by bringing balanced nutrition, tailored to help patients manage nutrition-related side effects, right to people’s doors.”
Meals to Heal employs oncology Registered Dietitians who hold the Certified Specialist in Oncology (“CSO”) credential, as well as a registered oncology nurse who holds the Oncology Certified Nurse (“OCN”) credential. Customers will be able to access this clinical team with their questions via telephone or internet.
“So many cancer patients struggle with proper nutrition,” states Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, MD, who is on the Scientific Advisory Board of Meals to Heal. “A service that provides convenient, safe and affordable nutrition could help many people undergoing treatment for cancer, supporting them through their treatment and preventing weight loss.”
Orders can be placed online for various meal programs, including 5-day and 7-day plans. In addition to home delivery of breakfast, lunch and dinner, patients will receive two daily snacks. Gift certificates and sample tasting packages are also offered. The Company will soon be offering a dinner-only option as well.
All fare from Meals to Heal is based on the proven Mediterranean Diet and meets the nutritional standards set forth by the USDA and the IOM. Entrees are paired with nutrient dense snacks to assist cancer patients in meeting their increased nutritional needs.
