Touched by an Angel - his name is Pete

We have been touched by an angel. His name is Pete and he is part of the “4th Angel” program at Cleveland Clinic.

The 4th Angel program matches volunteer mentors with newly diagnosed cancer patients. All volunteers are cancer survivors and have offered to mentor new patients through their journey. On Monday, I got a call from the coordinator indicating that she had found a "perfect" match for Larry (she was very excited about this match). His "angel" will be Pete who was diagnosed in 2005 with the same cancer, at the same stage, had the same treatment and surgery, with the same oncologists and surgeon. Because he is past the 5 year mark, he is considered "cured". I can't imagine finding a better match for Larry.

Pete called Larry last night and they had a lengthy chat about treatment and surgery. Pete lives in the Cleveland area and plans to visit Larry during his treatment next week. What an awesome gift! We are looking forward to meeting Pete and his wife Laurie.

A little more about the program…

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/cancer/scottcares/4thangel/about.asp

The 4th Angel Story

When diagnosed with cancer in 1997, Olympic figure skating champion Scott Hamilton identified three “angels” who helped him. His oncology physician was his first angel; his oncology nurse was his second angel; and his family and friends were the third. What he found missing, however, was a fourth angel – someone who had gone through the same experience and who understood what he was feeling. Someone, in short, who had “been there.” The 4th Angel Mentoring Program offers one-on-one, confidential outreach and support from someone who has successfully made the same journey you are about to begin – the journey towards recovery. This specially trained volunteer and cancer survivor – your 4th Angel – can offer comfort, reassurance, information, coping techniques and practical advice. Your 4th Angel or Caregiver Mentor, paired as closely as possible with respect to diagnosis, gender and age, understands what you are going through because he or she has traveled that same road. As your mentor and guide, your 4th Angel will call you to share healthful and positive strategies learned from his or her own experience – strategies that can help you cope.

Take care,

Pat

(larryandpat@bex.net)