Food Writer Pauses Career for Life-Saving Heart Surgery

When food writer Tony Jackman rolled over for his usual afternoon nap last Sunday, sudden pain shot through his chest, back, and neck. The emergency room visit that followed revealed shocking news: his aortic valve had narrowed so severely it barely functioned anymore.

For months, Jackman had dismissed the warning signs. Daily fatigue, breathlessness during morning walks, and a tight chest had become his new normal. What he thought was just getting older turned out to be a heart crying out for help.

Now the South African journalist faces a critical decision between two procedures. His cardiologist recommends a TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the damaged valve through a catheter. The alternative is traditional open heart surgery, though insurance approval may dictate which path he takes.

Jackman's candid essay about his diagnosis struck a chord with readers far beyond his usual recipe columns. He wrote openly about the shock of serious illness and the frustration of having medical decisions influenced by insurance companies rather than solely by doctor recommendations.

Sunny's Take

What stands out most isn't the medical crisis itself, but how Jackman's workplace responded. Daily Maverick, known primarily for investigative journalism exposing corruption, showed its human side by immediately removing all work pressure from their columnist. Management told him not to write a single word until he fully recovers.

This response represents something rare in today's hustle culture: an employer that truly values people over productivity. While Jackman praised the publication for its corruption-busting journalism, he seemed equally moved by their kindness when he needed it most.

The writer now spends his days in sunny spots with beloved books by John Steinbeck and Dylan Thomas. Ready-made supermarket meals have replaced his usual time at the stove. He's trading recipe development for rest, knowing his heart needs this pause to prepare for what's ahead.

Jackman expressed confidence in his cardiologist's ability to guide him through whichever procedure lies ahead. His optimism shines through even in uncertain circumstances, promising readers he'll return to sharing daily recipes and weekly columns once he's on the other side of recovery.

His story reminds us that health doesn't negotiate with our schedules, and the best workplaces understand that supporting employees through crisis isn't just compassionate—it's essential.