'I'm Just Blessed'

Surrounded by his vast garden and three dogs, Cookie, 10 ½; Bubba, 9 ½; and Little Big Man, 2, Brad Fricke needs little to maintain a positive attitude and zest for life, even as he battles a severe bone infection that has rendered him unable to work. He says the fatigue is the worst part of it because he can't take care of things the way he'd like to, including tending his garden.

The Dallas native is also without transportation and relies on ride-share programs to get him to doctors' appointments. "I just spent $60 last week getting back and forth from a doctor's appointment," Brad says. He hopes to be approved for the DART Paratransit Services program soon. He is also in the process of finishing repairs on his home, which was hit by the tornado that ripped through Dallas in October 2019. He's done nearly all the repairs himself, which have cost him more than he imagined.

Using a cane, Brad strolls the garden and points out his produce, including cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, melons, herbs and more. He explains he benefits greatly from the garden as he literally eats and enjoys the fruits of his labor. "I've known about Meals on Wheels for a long time and I've known people you've helped before. Meals on Wheels has been a blessing for me," says Brad. "I love the fruit and Swiss steak. I like all the food. There's not one I don't like!"

Brad is aware of the importance of good nutrition to fight his infection and gain back his health. "I've gained 12 pounds since I started receiving Meals on Wheels," he says. That, combined with the right medicine and great doctors, is what he hopes will heal the infection and bring him back to the life he misses.

Brad has also been concerned about the health and well-being of his beloved dogs. Thanks to the Visiting Nurse Association's Pet Care Program, which provides supplemental food and vet care, Cookie, Bubba and Little Big Man received their annual wellness visits and are now on heartworm, flea and tick prevention. VNA's partner agency, Dallas Animal Services and community partner, Metro Paws Animal Hospital, recently provided transportation and grooming services for all three dogs. Brad now receives supplemental pet food monthly as well.

"I'm just blessed," he says.

Due to the overwhelming demand for home-delivered meals in our community, VNA has a waiting list for this vital service. Generous community funding enabled us to remove Brad from the waiting list so he can receive this vital lifeline of nutrition and social connection.

Your life's work (and subsequent legacy) is your opportunity to make a statement. Whatever the reason behind your giving, we are here to help you fulfill your goals. Contact Chris Culak at culakc@vnatexas.org or (214) 689-2601 with any questions.