Fueled By You!
Russel’s Second Serve
At 82 years old, Russel, or Russ, still wakes with the same discipline that carried him through decades as a teacher, coach, and athlete. His mornings begin before sunrise with a workout that would humble someone half his age: tai chi, core strength exercises, a pedal bike, and the occasional tennis match—all before most people have had their first cup of coffee.
After his gym session at the Presbyterian Health plex, Russ pedals home, helmet secure, to meet one of the most dependable teammates in his life: his Meals on Wheels New Mexico volunteer. They arrive like clockwork with the nourishment that helps fuel his active routine, bringing not just food, but conversation and connection.
But even athletes need support. After losing his wife to brain cancer and enduring several major heart surgeries—including a triple bypass and valve replacement—Russ realized he couldn’t keep up in the kitchen. “I could barely make popcorn,” he says. That’s when he turned to Meals on Wheels New Mexico. “The meals are healthy. Food is medicine,” Russ says. “If you’re active —or even if you’re not—you’ve got to eat right.”
Your support means Russ doesn’t have to choose between safety and independence. He stays healthy, strong, and connected—on his own terms.
And for Russ, food is more than fuel. It’s memory, companionship, and resilience. He met his wife by asking her where to get a good meal. “The conversation never stopped,” he recalls. Thanks to you, Russ’s life hasn’t slowed down—it’s just evolved. Meals on Wheels New Mexico helps him keep moving, stay well, and live life on his own schedule.
Because of you, Russ is still in the game—and still winning.