Mike’s Story

Mike’s worked his whole life; for the last 24 years, he had a construction job, that provided a nice life for him and his wife, Janet.

That changed in May when Mike suffered a heart attack. Then Janet also had health challenges.

“She literally passed away in my arms a few months ago,” he said. “I had to give her CPR.”

While both are doing better now, Mike and Janet did not have insurance.

Medical bills quickly depleted the couple’s savings and Mike found himself visiting Southeast Missouri Food Bank for assistance.

“I worked hard all my life, but everything changed so quickly,” he shared at a food bank distribution. “It’s hard for me to come and ask for help. The thing about it is, we don’t need to just stay down. There are resources than can help you.”

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