Nurturing the Soul: Heartfelt Stories of Motherly Love and Celebration

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, we’re honoring the incredible women in our lives who nurture and nourish us with their unconditional love, comfort, and support.

We understand that this holiday can evoke a mix of emotions for many in our community, especially those who give to Culinary Care in memory of their mom or a mother figure. So, we invited members of our Board, team, and donor community to use this space to celebrate, remember, heal, and honor the women who have played such a vital role in shaping who we are today.

Whether it’s a fond memory, a cherished family tradition, or a touching photo, please join us as we celebrate the unconditional love of mothers through this roundup of heartwarming personal stories and reflections.

>> We invite you to share your own tribute to your mom or mother figure in the comments.

>> If you’re looking for a way to honor your mom’s kind heart and legacy this Mother’s Day, click here.

JENNIFER BELL, CULINARY CARE BOARD MEMBER

Jennifer Bell is the CMO at Lettuce Entertain You and a dedicated Culinary Care Board Member. Her mom, Georgene (Jeannie), passed five years ago from cancer, and today, we honor her mom’s legacy.

“She was an incredible mother and woman. It's not hard for me to gush about her. I miss her.

Despite having a full-time job and six children to care for, she always made an effort to attend every event. Her unwavering support was a testament to her dedication.

My mother had an eye for beauty in everything. Even in her darkest days she was able to remain grateful and appreciate the simple things.”

“My mother's passion for painting began at age 80, proving that it's never too late to pursue your dreams or try something new.

Confidence radiated from my mother. She understood the power of self-belief and instilled this in me at a young age. Her confidence was a remarkable trait that she gifted to me.”

“Family always came first for my mother. She adored her children and grandchildren and took immense pride in being a mother. She was our matriarch; tough, but nurturing. Her unwavering support and encouragement made her our biggest fan and cheerleader. We fondly remember hearing her distinct voice cheering us on at our sporting events, no matter the crowd. My mother was unapologetically herself, always.

My mother was an expert in having fun and living life to the fullest. She recognized that life is short and made the most of it by cherishing her time with family and friends.”

HEATHER SCARPACE, PROGRAMS MANAGER AT CULINARY CARE

As the Programs Manager at Culinary Care, Heather collaborates with the community to make sure a meal is one less thing cancer patients need to worry about. And, she is a mom to two wonderful boys!

“I always enjoy spending quality time together as a family on Mother's Day. My favorite tradition so far is going out to breakfast with my husband and two boys. Nothing is more special to me than the memories of sharing a delicious meal - especially when it's breakfast, my favorite meal of the day!

This Mother’s Day, I'm looking forward to delicious french toast or crepes :)”

“When I was growing up, there was nothing better than a home-cooked meal from my mom when I was not feeling great. A warm bowl of matzah ball soup can do wonders. :)

I am honored to work for an organization that provides essential meals to families undergoing cancer treatment. I have heard from so many individuals that these meals are not just the nourishment they need, but how they feel cared for and how much joy they bring on such a hard day.”

SARA-JESSICA, CULINARY CARE DONOR & ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER

SJ is a member of The Line, Culinary Care’s monthly giving program, and is also a dedicated member of the Culinary Care Associated Board. She gives in memory of her mom, Donna Marie Mennona.

“My mother did everything in her power to give me and my younger brother the best possible upbringing, despite experiencing the pain of cancer for nearly 10 years.

Thanks to her, we have both managed to fully "launch" into the people we are today, and let her live through us in everything we do.”

MEGAN ARSENEAU, KEY RELATIONSHIPS MANAGER AT CULINARY CARE

As the Key Relationships Manager at Culinary Care, Megan makes sure everyone is well taken care of and supported on the donor and corporate side. This allows us to continue doing what we do best - nourishing cancer recoveries and being there for our patients! 

Megan is also a new mom to her daughter, Tatum, and this will be her first official Mother’s Day!

“Our Mother’s Day tradition is spending the day with family and having brunch to celebrate all the moms. We make waffles, monkey bread, eggs, bacon, and all the fixings! And of course, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s!“

COURTNEY JOHNSON, PRESIDENT & FOUNDER OF CULINARY CARE

Courtney founded Culinary Care 10 years ago, a nonprofit that delivers meals to patients fighting cancer, with a side of love, joy, community, and hope.

“Food has always been my love language. Every year, my siblings and I would treat my mom to dinner for Mother’s Day. We would write our menu on a chalkboard, set the table, and make it feel like a restaurant. My specialty was stuffed pasta shells and chocolate lava cakes. It was something she could look forward to every year and showed how much we cared. Today, I change up the menu, but I made stuffed shells for about 10 years.”