Santa Barbara Woman with Chronic Illness Looks to New Food-Based Health Program for Support
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A Santa Barbara woman living with multiple chronic illnesses says she’s finally found hope — not through medication, but through food.
For years, Sarah Boyajian of Santa Barbara felt like she was fighting an invisible battle.
“I don’t have the things that most people have like sweat … my sweat glands did not work so I don’t have to perspire,” said Boyajian.
Multiple chronic illnesses left her exhausted, isolated, and often overlooked by traditional healthcare.
“And I have many many allergies many no no’s that I can’t eat or drink … and I eat as well as I can trying to avoid the pains that I get from wrong food,” said Boyajian.
Now, she’s learning how to eat the right food at the the Organice Soup Kitchen in Santa Barbara.
The nonprofit is launching a new food-based health program.
“We want to make an impact to the community about Food how it’s connected to our own health and how to really engage people in … everything they put in their mouth,” said chief operating officer Andrea Slaby of the Organic Soup Kitchen.
Right now, the soup kitchen team is getting ready to open enrollment for those interested in the series.
“We have hired a registered dietitian to help inform our clients on their particular healing journey, and how we can help them with nutrition and whole real foods,” said communications director Natasha Nazerian of the Organic Soup Kitchen.
The new program is aimed at helping those with cancer, chronic conditions, or aging-related challenges find healing through nutrition.
“I’m also a teacher and I have understanding that learning is a thing that we do every single day as we’re alive.”
For those often left out of the system, it’s a different kind of care.
And for some, the first they’ve had in a while.
If you would like to participate in the Organic Soup Kitchen’s new health education opportunity, visit: https://organicsoupkitchen.org/.
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