Imerman Angels: One-On-One Cancer Support
After hearing the words, "You have cancer," you may feel scared or alone.
You may not know anyone personally who has dealt with cancer before. Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed, cancer can be isolating. But you don’t have to face it alone—there is support available from people who truly understand.
Imerman Angels is a non-profit organization that offers free, personalized one-on-one support for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and previvors (people with elevated risk of developing cancer). Their mission is simple: No one should have to face cancer alone.
Imerman Angels matches people based on their age, gender, cancer type and experience. This means you get to talk to someone who truly understands what you're going through. For example, if you are a young woman diagnosed with breast cancer, you might be matched with another young woman who has been through the same journey. This way, you can share your feelings and experiences with someone who really gets it.
For instance, after Bárbara Cruz was diagnosed with lymphoma, she had many questions about what to expect from the bone marrow transplant. She longed to speak with someone who had been through the process, to gain some insights from a patient’s perspective.
Through Imerman Angels, Bárbara was able to connect with two women who had been through the BMT process and were thriving. "The strength and hope those conversations gave me were invaluable," Bárbara shared. "I vowed that once I recovered from my BMT, I would one day serve in this same capacity for others."
Today, Bárbara serves as a Mentor Angel and has since spoken to about a dozen women with the same type of lymphoma, three of whom have become lifelong friends. Despite living in different states, they’ve even met in person, proving that these connections can go far beyond just a single conversation.
Imerman Angels lets you have the connection you want at any point in your journey. Sometimes, people may connect with someone for a single conversation. Other times, these connections can lead to lasting friendships.
If you or someone you love is facing cancer, Imerman Angels is here to offer support and connection. For more information, visit ImermanAngels.org.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.