Power in Partnership: Imerman Angels

Our Power in Partnership series highlights our national and regional partners and the work they do with Unite Us to build healthier communities. 

In this Q&A, Jackie Herigodt, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Imerman Angels, explains how they’ve partnered with Unite Us to make a difference in the lives of cancer fighters, survivors, and previvors. 

1. Tell us more about your organization.

Imerman Angels was founded in 2006 on the belief that no one should have to face cancer alone and without the necessary support. Our mission is to provide comfort and understanding for all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors (people who are at a higher risk of cancer due to genetic predispositions in families), and caregivers through personalized, one-on-one connections.

We do this by leveraging our unique HUMAN matching process, which pairs Support Seekers with Mentor Angels who share the same cancer type, cancer mutation/risk, and life experiences. This tailored approach ensures that individuals receive personalized peer support from someone who truly understands their journey, fostering a sense of empathy and solidarity.

2. What are the greatest needs of the individuals and families you serve? 

Cancer affects every individual – and every family – differently. At Imerman Angels,  we focus on addressing the wide range of psychosocial challenges and emotional impacts of cancer, which can range from coping with grief and loss to practicing mindfulness and navigating complex healthcare systems. 

Our services are designed to help individuals manage these emotional and logistical hurdles, providing a comprehensive support system that complements medical treatment. By offering emotional support and practical guidance, we aim to enhance the overall well-being of cancer fighters, caregivers, and previvors. 

“I would describe my experience with Imerman Angels as an absolute blessing, both as a Mentor and a Mentee. Honestly, sometimes it’s hard for me to express how grateful I am. Being able to be in touch with someone who has gone through the same things I’ve been through, and being able to share it all with complete understanding has been amazing.” Tony, Support Seeker and Mentor Angel

3. What are the main programs or offerings that your organization provides? How have these expanded or evolved over time? 

The cornerstone of Imerman Angels is our peer-to-peer matching program, which connects cancer fighters, survivors, previvors, and caregivers with Mentor Angels for personalized support. 

Over time, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a free, quarterly virtual Community Event Series. Led by industry professionals, these events, cover a wide range of issues relevant to those affected by cancer, such as the latest in genetic research, managing employment while undergoing treatment, and dealing with the uncertainties of illness. 

Additionally, we publish a free, quarterly Resource Guide, that provides vital information and links on these topics, offering a valuable resource for the cancer community. These initiatives reflect our commitment to evolving our services to meet the changing needs of those we support.

4. What led you to partner with Unite Us? 

Imerman Angels is always looking to create easy and effective ways to allow more people to benefit from our services. We recognize that not everyone has the bandwidth or ability to navigate our website and register for support, and healthcare providers often have limited time to make referrals. 

One of our existing partners recommended Unite Us as a way to simplify the referral process and lessen the administrative burden on team members sending referrals, so we jumped at the opportunity! By partnering with Unite Us, we can ensure that more people in need of support can easily connect with our Mentor Angels without added strain on themselves or their providers.

5. How does collaborating with other organizations play a role in your work? 

Collaboration is essential in the cancer advocacy space, as no one person, doctor, researcher, or support organization can address all the needs of those affected by cancer. While we are all individuals, we are woven together as the tapestry of cancer care. Imerman Angels has built hundreds of partnerships and relationships with a wide range of organizations, including other cancer support groups, hospitals, social work teams, and other nonprofit organizations. 

These collaborations enable us to provide seamless access to psychosocial support for individuals and families, regardless of where they are in their cancer journey. Having psychosocial support is critical during a cancer experience even if the medical and physical components of the diagnosis sometimes take precedence. 

6. What is something you are excited about in terms of future projects and/or initiatives at your organization? 

We are excited about the prospect of reaching more individuals through the expansion of our partnerships, recruitment efforts, and team growth. In 2023, we were proud to serve the largest number of people in our organization’s history, and we are committed to continuing this momentum. With the addition of Unite Us as a strategic partner, we believe we can make that happen.

7. What excites you most about your partnership with Unite Us? 

The partnership with Unite Us excites us because it aligns perfectly with our mission to make psychosocial support more accessible. By leveraging the Unite Us platform, we can streamline the referral process for healthcare teams and simplify access for individuals seeking support. This partnership not only facilitates a more efficient connection between those in need and our services but also helps us reach a broader audience. 

We believe that by working with Unite Us, we can significantly enhance our ability to provide comfort and understanding to more people, ensuring that no one has to navigate the challenges of cancer alone.