Each time we have an Ice Cream Social with Berry Chill at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, we get a bigger and bigger crowd.  There’s usually a group of nurses waiting for us when we arrive, so it’s really becoming something that everyone looks forward to on the last Tuesday of each month.  We’d like to think people are excited about 1-on-1 cancer support, but we’re sure that it also has to do with the fact that everyone loves Berry Chill’s frozen yogurt.  If you haven’t tried it yet, the peer pressure is officially on!  I’ll even come with you.

During this month’s social, we spoke to 85 people about Imerman Angels.  While people are topping their frozen yogurts with sprinkles or syrups, cookies or candies, nuts or nougat, we tell them more about who we help and how we do it.  The people we speak to at Northwestern Hospital are such a key audience for Imerman Angels because everyone who is there sees cancer in more ways than most of us do.  They understand the importance of one-on-one cancer support.  And they help us spread the word.  Even though we’ve become regulars, each time we meet someone new.  That’s a big reason we look forward to spending our afternoon at the hospital.

A double dose of appreciation to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for allowing us to be there.  Also, big love for Berry Chill, who brings the frozen yogurt.  The next time you see their mascot, Yogi Jones, give him a hug.  Say Thank You.

Contributed by Phil Chang.

Cranbrook Schools of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan held their first annual cancer solidarity walk on Sunday, September 27th.  Jonny shared that, following the event, many people approached him for more information on Imerman Angels’ 1-on-1 match up service for friends and family fighting cancer.  This is what we are all about! 

Cec Strine, event Co-Chair, called the event a success.  Both she and Jonny spoke and shared their messages of hope (pictured below).  Even her grandson, Austin (below), turned out for the event and displayed IA pride!

One of IA's youngest supporters.

Cec (above) is a cancer survivor and Imerman survivor angel! 

Following the event, Cranbrook allowed Jonny the opportunity to speak to health classes and the football team to educate them about young adults with cancer.

Looney’s Pub- South in Fulton, Maryland will host the Ulman Fund’s 2nd annual “Screw Cancer” benefit tomorrow from 6-9pm. 

Screw open an invite here!

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults was created by Doug Ulman, a 3-time cancer survivor and President of LIVESTRONG.  The mission of the organization is to provide support programs that embrace cancer survivors, their families and friends.  From college scholarships to networking groups, the organization aims to navigate young adults through their cancer journey.

Lou and Diane Ulman, parents of Doug and survivor angels with IA, will be amongst the attendees of the event!  Jonny is looking forward to joining them and speaking about 1-on-1 cancer support.

For more information on the Ulman Fund, visit their page at http://www.ulmanfund.org/ .

Imerman Angels invites patients, families and hospital staff of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University for a monthly ice cream social on Tuesday, September 29th featuring Berry Chill frozen yogurt.

Scoops up from 3:00-5:00 pm in the 16th floor education room.

The rumor is that Staley the Bear, of the Chicago Bears, may stop by to make an appearance at the hospital.  We will post pictures following the event! 

We’d like to send a special thank you to Berry Chill for providing the treats for our event!

Cec Strine, teacher at Cranbrook Schools Brookside of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, can speak to the impact of community support on an individual.  As a salivary cancer survivor, she shared with me the importance of the Cranbrook family, as she took the disease head on:

“The extended Cranbrook family supported us so much.  People that you didn’t even know about… who quietly had cancer.”

Joining together with Sarah Jacobs, an alum, parent and breast cancer survivor, the two created an idea: a victory lap against cancer around Kingswood Lake.

Tomorrow, September 27th, will be the first annual “Cranbrook Envisions a Cure Walk” sponsored by the school’s Cross Country Team.  Like many things, this event has been a community effort.   From the event logo (designed by a 6th grader within the school system) to the preparation for the big day, this has been yet another project where Cranbrook students, faculty, parents, grandparents, alumni and friends were able to join forces.

Cec is close to the Imerman Community for several reasons.  Not only was she a teacher of Jonny, who attended Cranbrook as a student, but she also participated in a 1-on-1 pair-up relationship through IA.  Tomorrow, she will be walking in memory of her mother to: pay tribute to those battling cancer, support research for a cure, and celebrate life.  JI is excited to be amongst those attending, as well as a featured speaker.

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands.  You need to be able to throw something back.”- Maya Angelou. 

Cec shared that this (above) has touched her through her cancer journey.  Though cancer is an ugly disease, she had found that it was also a blessing in disguise and an opportunity for her to give back to those who had shown her love and support.  The cancer walk is the perfect opportunity to come out for Cranbrook, Cec, and those fighting cancer all around the country.  Stop in and cheer on the walkers!

Optional donations will be made to Imerman Angels.