With the 2012 Team Imerman fundraising up and running, we wanted to take a moment to share the story of one of Team Imerman’s runners.

At the age of 31, John Crowley was diagnosed and treated for a tumor in his lung. John was lucky enough to undergo a successful surgery that removed the tumor, which resulted in his recovery and four year remission.

While John was fortunate enough to have great family and friends support him during his battle with cancer, he wishes he would’ve had someone to talk who had been going through the same thing.

“After working in the oncology industry for over 10 years and contacting doctors all over the country, I couldn’t find one person who had experienced the same type of cancer that I had,” John recalls.

This is why John feels strongly about the mission of Imerman Angels. He recognizes the need for cancer patients to be able to connect with others who have gone down the same path and survived. With this mission in mind, John is inspired to raise money and run with Team Imerman.

On February 11, 2012 John celebrated his fourth year of remission by wearing the Team Imerman jersey and competing in “The Toughest Event on the Planet”, the Tough Mudder Race in Atlanta.

John’s positive attitude and efforts to give back are what make him the perfect advocate for Imerman Angels and we are proud to have him on our team!

The mind is a powerful force. This year, Brain Tumor Awareness Month reminded us of one man in the brain tumor community who shows just how powerful, especially in times of adversity, the mind can be.

Eric Galvez considers himself to be a ‘mAss kicker’:

1. Someone who gets an intimidating diagnosis, hears the words,
“we found a mass in your _____ (insert important body structure here),” and
refuses to let it control their life.

After being diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor, Eric underwent surgery and radiation therapy. When it was time to begin several months of rehabilitation, Eric got into the ‘mAss kicking’ mindset and prepared himself to take on any obstacles and physical impairments he might face – and he did it with vigor.

On top of never missing a single appointment, Eric continuously asked his physical therapists to schedule extra meetings. While requiring almost total assistance in nearly everything he did post-operation and radiation, Eric assured his doctors that, one day, he would surf again.

It was during his time in rehabilitation that Eric recognized the power that his brain had over all of his physical limitations.

“A brain tumor is not necessarily a ‘death sentence’.
Part of me was reborn with a new attitude that said,
‘Why not’?”

Eric’s new “Why not?” outlook on life didn’t remain his alone. His mindset and perseverance spread to everyone with whom he came into contact, impressing even doctors who said that Eric, “challenges you; he motivates you; he takes you to another level.”

Eric Galvez is proof that, “The only thing limiting yourself is yourself.” As a ‘mAss Kicking’ leader in the brain tumor community, Eric inspires us to know that we “can accomplish anything that you really want to” – all we have to do is put our minds to it.

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As Brain Tumor Awareness Month comes to an end, pass this video and Eric’s message along to three people you know who are affected by brain cancer, and keep spreading hope for other mAss kickers out there…long after the month has passed.

Much like Jonny Imerman, the founder of Imerman Angels, Eric Galvez knows the immeasurable impact that results from one person sharing knowledge and inspiration with someone else who is experiencing the unknowns of cancer. Check out the website on his organization, mAss Kickers, for more info: http://masskickers.org/

Jonny Imerman

Our mission here at Imerman Angels is to provide PERSONALIZED connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.  Jonny Imerman truly touched many people with his survival story. It captured our hearts and enabled us to do the same to many others around the world.

What we do here at Imerman Angels is uniquely match cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers to anyone seeking cancer support. We like to call them “Mentor Angels” who are walking, talking, living proof, and inspiration that cancer can be beaten—just like Jonny Imerman himself.

Jim Higley

Jim Higley, also known as: Bobblehead Dad, is a writer, speaker, life observer, and cancer warrior. Jim is well respected here at Imerman Angels and one of our greatest supporters!

Please take the time to read his article on Manofthehouse.com. It’s a story of how Imerman Angels began and an awareness of Testicular cancer, which according to his article impacts 8, 500 men every year ages 15-35 in our country.

Be Aware and Help kick cancer to the curb!!

“I’ve walked in your shoes. I’ve been there. I beat it. And you can too.”

I came across the blog of one of our mentor angels/volunteers, Jemma, who shared her story about how she became involved with Imerman Angels.  Jemma is a two time cancer survivor.  She now lives an active life, participating in athletic events for the charities that she supports. Read about this, her experience with our partner charity First Descents, and her cancer survivor story at IAMJEM.

Petr Koukal fought cancer and won. The number 1 Czech badminton player has just heard the good news that his treatment was over and that he can start practicing again.  It goes without saying that it is a relief for him, his family and his friends on the circuit.

“Here I am. No more cancer. Healthy.”

“It took three cycles of chemotherapy.  Each took five days, each day six hours of infusions. Two weeks break between each cycle. The first two were ok, of course I was not feeling 100% but it wasn’t as hard as I expected. I also played French Open which made me really happy and I enjoyed it so much – to be “on tour” again. That was just great. But it wasn’t good idea to play. My body was really tired and just one day after the match with Dicky I lost all my hair …”

The last chemotherapy was so hard. I could never imagine that I would suffer so much. It was the hardest thing in my life, really. Not only those five days but also next five days I was just feeling so bad and so sick and tired. I know it was necessary to do that and now I am happy it is over. It was very hard experience, but I believe that it will only make me stronger and tougher…”

Read the rest here at Badzine, a site for badminton.