I promised I would share stories and lessons from the 2008 LIVESTRONG Summit. It has taken me a while to get my head around it all, and to organize my thoughts. As promised - I’d like to share the first of my experiences.
The Summit was underway and in full swing, and on Saturday morning I was introduced to one of the most incredible human beings I have ever met - Jonny Imerman. Jonny is the creator of a unique and inspiring organization - Imerman Angels. Imerman Angels is a one-on-one cancer support organization that pairs cancer fighters with cancer survivors, as well as caregivers.
Why is this different than any other support group you might be asking? The organization takes the specifics into consideration, and pairs two people with the same circumstances for a one-on - one relationship free of cost…One survivor with one fighter! Though Imerman Angels is based in Chicago they pair people from all areas.
You will be inspired and drawn to Jonny the moment you meet him, or by simply hearing his story. Jonny was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the young age of 26. He was extremely fortunate to have a network of people surrounding him during his treatments and battle.
On his website Jonny says, ”Each day, my room was filled with family members and close friends. With so much support, I did not have a chance to lose hope. However, in many of the other rooms, hope already seemed lost. As I walked down the hall with my chemotherapy IV-pole on the way to the bathroom, I saw other people fighting cancer alone. They were lying in bed, motionless, watching television or staring in space. Their only stimulation was a nurse checking in for a minute or two on the hour. I knew this was not right. It upset me.”
Jonny began to walk into rooms, introduce himself, and form relationships with other cancer patients. He wanted to help bring out the fight in these people and THAT he did. He did not stop there… he created Imerman Angels. Surviving ‘Angels’ help Jonny continue on with his mission to support people fighting cancer. I encourage you to reach out to Imerman Angels if you want to help, or need help yourself. You will walk away truly blessed after being touched by Jonny Imerman.
I promised I would share stories and lessons from the 2008 LIVESTRONG Summit. It has taken me a while to get my head around it all, and to organize my thoughts. As promised - I’d like to share the first of my experiences.
The Summit was underway and in full swing, and on Saturday morning I was introduced to one of the most incredible human beings I have ever met - Jonny Imerman. Jonny is the creator of a unique and inspiring organization - Imerman Angels. Imerman Angels is a one-on-one cancer support organization that pairs cancer fighters with cancer survivors, as well as caregivers.
Why is this different than any other support group you might be asking? The organization takes the specifics into consideration, and pairs two people with the same circumstances for a one-on - one relationship free of cost…One survivor with one fighter! Though Imerman Angels is based in Chicago they pair people from all areas.
You will be inspired and drawn to Jonny the moment you meet him, or by simply hearing his story. Jonny was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the young age of 26. He was extremely fortunate to have a network of people surrounding him during his treatments and battle.
On his website Jonny says, ”Each day, my room was filled with family members and close friends. With so much support, I did not have a chance to lose hope. However, in many of the other rooms, hope already seemed lost. As I walked down the hall with my chemotherapy IV-pole on the way to the bathroom, I saw other people fighting cancer alone. They were lying in bed, motionless, watching television or staring in space. Their only stimulation was a nurse checking in for a minute or two on the hour. I knew this was not right. It upset me.”
Jonny began to walk into rooms, introduce himself, and form relationships with other cancer patients. He wanted to help bring out the fight in these people and THAT he did. He did not stop there… he created Imerman Angels. Surviving ‘Angels’ help Jonny continue on with his mission to support people fighting cancer. I encourage you to reach out to Imerman Angels if you want to help, or need help yourself. You will walk away truly blessed after being touched by Jonny Imerman.