Recently, I had the great, Silver Lined opportunity to meet Jonny Imerman. Oh my goodness. He is literally an angel in this (cancer) world.
At 26 years old, Jonny Imerman was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Throughout his treatment experience, Jonny was fortunate to have loving support from his family and friends but he never had the opportunity to meet anyone his own age who was a cancer survivor. He wanted to talk to someone just like him, someone who truly understood, and was intimately familiar with his experience. In short, he was looking for someone who had already beaten the same type of cancer.
Jonny saw a void and filled it in 2003 when he founded Imerman Angels, a non-profit organization that pairs patients with cancer survivors. It is such a simple, yet brilliant concept. Jonny wants to make sure that no one goes through cancer treatment alone.
Here’s how it works: Imerman Angels pairs anyone seeking cancer support with a “Mentor Angel,” one who is a cancer survivor who is the same gender, age and has the same type of cancer. This “Mentor Angel” is proof to the current patient that cancer can be beaten. Additionally, personalized matches are provided for cancer caregivers (family and friends of patients) to benefit from other experienced caregivers.
These relationships provide hope and comfort from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience. Oh, AND this personalized matching service is absolutely free and is available to anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world. This is seriously goosebump inducing, if you ask me.
Talking with Jonny was one of the most joyous experiences. He has more energy and enthusiasm than any person I’ve EVER met. I am truly inspired by Imerman’s Angels. If you are a patient or caregiver, I would strongly encourage you to take advantage of this great Silver Lining in the cancer world.
Imerman’s Angels can be found by clicking here: http://www.imermanangels.org or by calling: 877-274-5529
MD Anderson also offers a matching program for patients, survivors, caregivers & their families.
Wonderful, Dell. Thank you for sharing!
Very informative as I had not heard of Imerman's Angels organization. It sounds like a wonderful set-up. To partner with someone who has been there and gone through the process and survived is a great help. This person can give you assurance and provide advice and support because they are coming from the same experience.
My surgeon who had informed me that my breast tumor was cancer, and I would need a lumpectomy, also arranged for a phone visit from a lady my age who had been through the same procedures and was a BC survivor. She calmed my nerves and gave me some needed confidence. She also followed up after my surgery with an offer to talk about any fears at any time. This caring gesture meant a lot to me at the time.
Immerman's Angels is indeed amazing. I'm so glad that you had that person for you before your surgery. Providing support to one another is what it's all about! Thanks, Carolee!