Hey Friends and Loved ones, Thanks for coming to the page to see how you can support me. If you don't already know, I am having open heart surgery on January 20th. Back in April of 2025, my doctors found that the hole in my heart had gotten larger and was affecting the way I breathe. In addition to that, I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, which is a fancy way of saying that I have hypertension in my lungs. There are medicines to treat these things, but ultimately, I need surgery to repair the hole and a valve. I will be out of work and unable to drive for at least two months. I will be in the hospital for about a week if there are no complications. I will need my friends, family, and community to show support for me during this recovery period. You will find on this site places to sign up to send meals, in person or through UberEats, and there is a space to sign up for home visits and virtual hangouts. I will update the site as I get more information, but I will also need rides to Cardiac rehab and doctors' visits. Thanks to all who have already done, are doing, and will continue to do for me. I love each of you immensely. --Cazembe
I like most foods. I do eat meat. I will be on a low-sodium, low-sugar diet. I’m allergic to coconut. Please no: mushrooms, lamb, artichokes, olives, coconut. Please yes: Ground turkey Baked or broiled fish Baked chicken thighs Baked sweet potatoes (not candied yams) Brown rice and Low-Glycemic-Index Rice Quinoa Lentils Sautéed spinach (especially if homemade without butter) Steamed vegetables Plain yogurt Granola (low sugar or no added sugar) Apples Peaches Scrambled eggs Strawberries Blueberries Blackberries Early in recovery, I’d like to have one person at my house from late morning through the early evening. I’m asking other folks to drop by for shorter amounts of time, so care tasks are spread out, you can leave for a bit if you want, etc. Please let me know what times work for you by signing up on the care calendar.