It was my distinct privilege to meet a young man today named Jonny Imerman, founder of a wonderful organization called IMERMAN'S ANGELS. Please let me tell you about him, and what he has done for others who now face what he once faced.

Jonny is a cancer survivor. At age 26, he contracted testicular cancer. He endured the treatments, the chemo, the surgeries, the whole gamut of protocols, and now, 10 years later, is cancer-free - he's a survivor.

But he found during his ordeal that he was essentially alone. Who else could understand what the normal death sentence of testicular cancer means to a vibrant, vivacious 26-year old man? What would he face? How would he feel? What could he expect? How would he get through this life crisis - was there anyone else who knew, understood, had faced the same diagnosis and more importantly, had endured the same trials and had triumphed over the disease? What other human being could help him grasp, and make sense of, what he was about to experience?

There was no one available to Jonny at the time. As his non-profit charity's brochure says...

""...during his own chemotherapy, he noticed how many people fought cancer without family, friends, and other forms of support."

"He created Imerman Angels so that no one would have to fight cancer alone. The cancer survivor would be an angel - walking, living proof that the fighter could win, too. What an amazing connection!"

"IMERMAN ANGELS is a not-for-profit organization that connects a person fighting cancer today (a cancer fighter) with someone else who has beaten the same type of cancer (a cancer survivor). The one-on-one relationship provides the cancer fighter the opportunity to ask personal questions and receive encouragement from someone else who is uniquely familiar with the situation, and it allows the cancer survivor the opportunity to help a fighter as he or she battles the disease.

Imerman Angles also connects "caregivers." A caregiver is a friend or family member who is supporting a cancer fighter. Similar to fighters and survivors, caregivers wish to be paired up with another caregiver who relates to and understands their situation.

Based in Chicago, IL, Imerman Angels helps cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers regardless of their geographical location - throughout the U.S. and around the world. ALL OF THE SERVICES THAT IMERMAN ANGELS PROVIDES ARE 100% FREE. Whether you are a cancer fighter, survivor or caregiver, Imerman Angels does not turn ANYONE away.

The pair up process begins when Imerman Angels meets a cancer fighter in need. Once the initial contact is made, an IA representative speaks to each cancer fighter, either by phone or in person. The representative, who is themself a survivor, then searches the database for a survivor most like the fighter, based on factors such as cancer type ((there are over 200 types- did you know that???)), treatments, age, gender, and geographic location. The cancer fighter and survivor are then introduced. The relationship is in the hands of the fighter-survivor pair; IA is always available to offer further advice, information and guidance.

If you, or anyone you know, has been touched by cancer, please - contact Imerman Angels. In addition, (we) welcome your questions, feedback, and ideas. (We) look forward to hearing from you.

Phone: 312 643-5560
Email: info@imermanangels.org
Website: www.imermanangels.org" "

Now, back to my own words: these folks are funded only by charitable donations and fundraising activities such as charity runs, dinners, events and the like. There are many places to put your charitable dollars, and everyone clamors for them constantly. I must tell you, my dear friends and readers, that this group touched my heart. I am not affiliated in any way with their organization, but I am compelled to share this with you, and to ask you to do the same with all your friends. I believe this to be a noble and worthy cause, so much so that I promised Jonny in front of about 100 of my fellow AFLAC colleagues that I would share his story on all my websites and spread the word as best I could.

I am reminded of the words of my beloved pastor, Jerry Foote, some 15 years ago: "God washes our eyes with tears so that we can see the invisible hurts of others."

Jonny's eyes have been washed with tears, and God has blessed him with the vision to see precisely what other sufferers need to have hope, strength, and direction during the ghastly ordeal that is cancer.

If you feel moved to contribute to them, please do so. If not, that's totally okay, too. But here is my request: won't you please share his info with everyone you possibly can?

The Bible tells us to "weep with those who weep, and laugh with those who laugh." This is exactly the opportunity you and I have, right here, right now.

Thank you so much, my friends and webpals, for reading this. Thank you even more for sharing Jonny's - and Imerman Angels' - wonderful and uplifting story.

May God bless each and every one of you, and help you and me be a conduit of His grace to share this organization with real people who really need the ear and the touch of someone who knows intimately what a cancer fighter faces.

And hope it will never be a choice you have to face.

Love to all,
Dale