Terence Tomlin, my friend, has faced extraordinary challenges since suffering an ischemic stroke in 2017. The stroke left him in a wheelchair and took away his dominant side, making everyday tasks and his passion for cooking much more difficult. Terence, 56, openly admits that his past lifestyle choices—eating salty foods, rarely checking his blood pressure, and smoking—contributed to his hypertension, which ultimately caused his stroke. His hospitalization was a turning point, not only for him but for those around him. He saw firsthand how unhealthy diets and habits affected the African-American community, with many patients in the hospital sharing similar stories. The loss of his close friend Abdullah Thompson to a stroke shortly after visiting Terence in the hospital made the situation even more heartbreaking.

Despite these setbacks, Terence’s spirit remains unbroken. Born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Terence began his cooking career in 1989 and has worked at renowned restaurants in the New York tristate area and Washington, D.C. He trained under top chefs, opened his own restaurant, and launched innovative culinary projects like Tomlin Seasonal Sweet Earth Treat Ice Cream and Sorbet. Even with paralysis in his right side, Terence won the Maryland Foodie Fest Seafood competition in 2019 and The Breaking Bread National Championship in 2021, inspiring others with his determination and talent.

The funds raised will help Terence with medical bills and rehabilitation, giving him the support he needs to continue his recovery and maintain his independence. Your generosity will help Terence overcome his current challenges and continue making a difference in his community. Please consider donating to support Terence on his journey to recovery.