April 7, 2015
Imerman Angels Cancer Support Opens Los Angeles Chapter
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Imerman Angels, a one-on-one cancer support organization based in Chicago, is proud to announce the official launch of a Los Angeles chapter, now their third, led by Los Angeles resident and the newly named Los Angeles Regional Director, Jordyn Goodman. The organization will celebrate with a special launch party on Sunday, April 12, during national Cancer Control Month.
Launched in Chicago in 2006 by testicular cancer survivor Jonny Imerman, Imerman Angels is a global cancer community that has enabled more than 10,000 cancer support connections in all 50 states, and more than 60 countries.
Through a personalized matching process, Imerman Angels carefully matches and individually pairs a person touched by cancer (a cancer fighter or survivor) with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Mentor Angel). Cancer caregivers (spouses, parents, children and other family and friends of fighters) also receive 1-on-1 connections with other caregivers and survivors.
These relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world.
Goodman has spent the majority of her life in Los Angeles, having relocated with her family to Calabasas, California at the age of five. After graduating from the University of Arizona she landed a job working for Suzanne Somers focusing on revolutionary alternative medicine.
"After losing my father to his battle with cancer in 2013, I became more passionate about empowering and educating younger generations to embrace health and wellness," she said. "I am so honored to be working with Imerman Angels and am excited to help the city of angels gain a few more."
Dr. Prashant K. Chawla, the Director of Breast & Women's Imaging at Providence Tarzana Hospital and Tarzana Women's Imaging Center, and a member of the Imerman Angels Los Angeles Advisory Board says, "As a physician, despite the state-of-the-art medical care we can provide our patients, I know that emotional support is just as important and is often lacking. Imerman Angels mission to enable 1-on-1 cancer support is a niche that has yet to be filled in the Los Angeles community. These powerful connections provide cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers hope that they can overcome the battle against cancer, and a network that strengthens them all. I am honored to welcome Imerman Angels to Los Angeles."
In celebration of its new chapter, Imerman Angels is hosting a launch party at Sportsmen's Lodge, 12825 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, on Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. This casual spring affair will aim to spread awareness of the importance of Imerman Angels for the cancer community in Los Angeles.
Guests of this event will enjoy light fare, sip on cocktails and listen to a live performance by modern adult-contemporary artist and songwriter Carly Robyn Green. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring exciting prizes like a complimentary ride at SoulCycle, a set of classes from Hot 8 Yoga, beauty and wellness packages from PRIV, and much more. Plus, Imerman Angels chief mission officer, Jonny Imerman, a testicular cancer survivor, and Jim Stavis, an inspirational speaker and one of the only living triple transplant receivers in the world, will say a few words.
Other generous sponsors for this event include High Bee Coffee, AV Masters, and The Cheesecake Factory.
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.