“There was a time when I was struggling to get groceries or do anything on my own. The Fresh Produce Program has helped me gain momentum in leaps and bounds... It's more than just food; it's having another voice to talk to and knowing someone cares.”

 

From a young age, Tim's life was framed through a camera lens. Growing up in a wilderness-heavy area of Illinois, he trailed behind his father on wildlife photography ventures, later teaching himself to transform those photographs into vivid drawings and paintings. These experiences lay a foundation for a love of nature and art.

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As he entered adulthood, Tim's passion for art evolved into a passion for caregiving. He spent 20 years as a paramedic and instructor, serving on the front lines of Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic. When his late wife's health declined due to lupus, Tim became her primary caretaker. To support the rising costs of her medications and dialysis treatments, he sold his paintings, using his creative passion to provide the care she needed. "What kept me going was artwork," he said.

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After his wife's passing, Tim relocated to Western North Carolina to be closer to his family.

However, his time there was cut short. Hurricane Helene destroyed his home and his entire collection of artwork. "I had to leave everything I had behind," he said. A subsequent fall led to a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (PD) at Duke University Hospital. Slowly, his cognition, speech, and mobility suffered. He moved to the Triangle to receive better medical care. But physically and financially depleted, Tim struggled to afford the nutrient-dense diet recommended by his healthcare team for managing his PD. "There were times I would run out of food," he recalls.

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Through DukeWell, Tim was introduced to the Fresh Produce Program (FPP) and now receives deliveries on a biweekly basis. Some of his favorite foods he receives include fresh kale, eggs, apples, and potatoes, which have filled gaps in his nutritional plan and allowed him to purchase other foods with the money he saves. Not only has this allowed him to regain his financial footing, but he appreciates the regular check-ins from volunteers, renewing a sense of connection to his community.

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Tim now spends his days traveling across Durham, capturing local wildlife in his sketches and volunteering at the Senior Center. He is actively involved in Parkinson's awareness, showcasing his art at Duke Health's Annual Parkinson's Art Gallery and Auction. Although he is no longer in the medical field, Tim has found a new way to serve, devoting his time to making others happy and using his art to heal in a different way.