HEALTH AWARENESS SPOTLIGHT: IMERMAN ANGELS

With our dedicated founder, Jerry Bryant, continuing his daily battle with stage four cancer, we at JBTV have started to seek out different foundations and local health awareness outlets to promote. A little while back, Jerry conducted an interview with founder of local non-profit organization, Imerman Angels. This Chicago-based cancer support community urges cancer fighters to join, in that this non-profit provides personalized one-on-one support not only to fighters, but also survivors and caregivers.

Each person with cancer who chooses to enroll in the free program is paired up with a cancer survivor -- called Mentor Angels -- the same age and gender as them, as well as someone who possesses similar interests as them.
Founder, Jonny Imerman was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 26 years old and was let down that he struggled to find people the same age as him who was struggling with or had struggled with cancer. Although he had the support of his family and friends, he wanting to confide in someone who knew exactly how his current situation felt. In 2003, he came up with the idea for this non-profit organization and he later founded Imerman Angels. The core values of the organization are as follows: mission first, people first; create awareness and inspiration; fundraising as mission focused; create community; build alliances; stay relaxed and have fun; stay innovative and improve; be humble. Each operating philosophy of the organization is in place to help guide each Imerman Angel and Mentor.

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However, with the help of Imerman Angels’ dedicated supporters and contributors, they have had the opportunity to expand to Michigan, Los Angeles, and New York. This will further help people with cancer have the motivation and strength to continue fighting their fight.

Even if you have not survived cancer nor are suffering from the disease, you are still encouraged to help out at Imerman Angels. The organization allows volunteers to join. The volunteer application is on the website, as is the directions to the Headquarters for orientations.

You can donate money to and help out Imerman Angels by visiting their website, www.imermanangels.org.

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Filed by Ava Butera
Photo by Imerman Angels