But there’s something about Oscar and Evelyn not very many people know. Many years ago, someone they both loved dearly died of cancer. She was in her 30s. Evelyn watched her very close friend die as cancer took a toll on her frail body. She later learned that the chemo treatments affected her friend’s appetite as she struggled to eat. Her body wasn’t getting the nutrients it needed.
Paul I. Tanedo photographed Oscar and Evelyn Bunoan at their store one rainy Sunday afternoon, which was bustling with hungry customers. As he clicked away, Paul noted the couple’s generosity, inviting him to “eat first” before going to work with his camera: “I’m so touched and I realized that their spirit of kindness and giving is the music they dance to. It’s a happy dance and good food, made by these lovers.” PAUL I.
The devastating loss was an eye opener. Months after her friend’s death, Evelyn and Oscar established a foundation aptly called CHEW – Cancer Help Eat Well. For many years now, the couple has been serving people with cancer and others who have problems eating well. She cooks healthy meals, and they deliver them to patients who are too sick to cook. Many of them are people in the community they have known for years. And some are strangers referred by friends.
“We care that they eat well and stay healthy,” says Oscar. “If Evelyn’s cooking can make a difference, that means a lot to us. It’s very satisfying.”