OUR STORY

In the fall of 2018 at 36 years of age, my brother, Joe Baab was diagnosed with stage 3c colon cancer.

Joe was a fighter - he was born with cerebral palsy and was told by doctors that he would never hold a pencil correctly, let alone participate in sport. Growing up, I remember going to physical therapy and every single day watching him fight for things so many of us take for granted - a “normal” left leg and left hand. Despite all odds, my brother fought and the kid who “would never hold a pencil correctly,” made one of the top high school basketball programs in the state. My brother may not have a “normal” left hand or left leg, but what he lacked in physical ability, he made up for in heart and character. He carried this same remarkable approach - coupled with an unwavering positive attitude and sense of humor - into his fight against cancer.

When Joe was first diagnosed with cancer, my family had no concept of healthy eating nor cooking skills to support him through treatments. As we started to meet other family members, cancer patients, and survivors, we recognized a common theme - all of us lacked the knowledge, cooking skills, and resources necessary to support the ones we love and help put their bodies in the best position to fight cancer, yet there was a great need for this guidance.

Soon after this realization a friend shared a motivational story on “turning your worst day into your best.” Joe’s cancer diagnosis was the worst day in the lives of every person in my family. Culinary Fights Cancer turns this worst day into a “best.” All of us involved in the foundation have a personal connection to cancer. We are devoted to helping patients and family members facing this same challenge collectively experience something good and empower one another to fight on.