Every morning before the sun comes up, 79-year-old Chong Quick starts her day the same way. She makes breakfast, pours a cup of coffee and helps her longtime friend, William Sisson, get ready for the day.
At 87, William faces significant mobility challenges and depends on Chong for many everyday tasks, from bathing and dressing to moving safely around their Trussville home.
It’s a role Chong has embraced for years, even while managing her own health challenges, including recovering from recent eye surgery.
“Meals on Wheels has been a big help,” William said. “It saves her from having to spend an hour or two in the kitchen cooking another meal for us.”
More Than 50 Years of Friendship
Chong and William first met more than 50 years ago in Tarrant City, where she built a career as a hairdresser while he worked in sales and managed rental properties. Through decades of changes and challenges, their friendship has remained constant.
Eight years ago, William underwent shoulder replacement surgery and needed help during his recovery. Chong welcomed him into her home, and he has remained there ever since.
As additional health issues developed, including multiple hip replacements and neuropathy in his hands and feet, William became increasingly dependent on others for daily care.
Today Chong is his primary Caregiver.
“Chong takes care of me, does everything for me, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her and Meals on Wheels,” William said.
For Chong, caring for someone she considers family is simply what friends do. But caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially while managing her own health needs.
A Meal and a Friendly Face
For the past year, Meals on Wheels has delivered nutritious meals directly to Chong and William’s home, easing some of the daily responsibilities that come with caregiving.
Knowing lunch is on the way means Chong has one less meal to prepare and more time to focus on William’s care and her own well-being.
The daily visits have also become something they look forward to.
“The volunteers who bring our meals are so nice, and we’re so thankful for them,” William said. “They take the time to come in and speak with us. They’re always very friendly.”
Because getting to the door isn’t easy for William, volunteers bring the meals inside and place them on the table. What may seem like a small act of kindness becomes a meaningful connection and reminder that someone cares.
Your Support Makes Stories Like This Possible
Each weekday, Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers prepare and deliver nutritious meals along 68 routes throughout Jefferson County, serving more than 1,300 older adults in 2025 alone.
For people like William and Chong, the program offers something just as important as food; it offers relief, companionship and support.
“Meals on Wheels has been such a big help to us,” Chong said. “I have a lot to take care of every day, and knowing that our meals are coming means there’s one less thing I have to worry about. I’m very thankful for that.”
After more than 50 years of friendship, the two continue caring for one another. And thanks to Meals on Wheels, they don’t have to do it alone.
You can help more older adults like William and Chong receive the support they need to continue living at home, while staying connected to their community, and cared for with dignity.
Will you make a gift today to help deliver meals, independence, and hope to a senior in need? To help Meals on Wheels serve more seniors in need, make a gift.