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ABU DHABI, 5th January, 2023 (WAM) — The Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi has launched its fourth Angels Programme, a personalized peer support program to empower those affected by cancer and its treatment. ability. The program has expanded from the Cleveland Clinic to the UAE, its first international expansion.
The idea for a fourth angel came up as U.S. Olympic figure skating gold medalist Scott Hamilton was recovering from cancer. He identified three angels who would help him on his journey. Scott’s oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic was his first angel; his oncology nurse was his second; his family and friends were his third.
What he felt was missing, however, was a fourth angel – someone who had “been there” and would understand how he felt. This led him to the idea of creating a program where cancer survivors and patients could talk about their cancer experiences with their peers, enabling a survivor-to-patient mentoring program.
Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, Director of the Oncology Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “The Fourth Angel Program is an extension of the caring care we provide. It aims to promote and support world-class research and quality care that will one day Cure Cancer. The program empowers patients and their families through education and guidance throughout cancer treatment and survival.”
Cancer is the third most common cause of death in the UAE. The 4th Angels Program will initially roll out to breast cancer patients, matching patients with trained volunteers of a similar age and with similar cancer experiences. The program emphasizes one-on-one contact to best educate patients. “Angels” are highly trained volunteers who can answer tough questions and offer helpful, positive, and much-needed strategies based on their experiences.
“Our 4th Angel Volunteer has truly made a difference in the lives of cancer patients by providing knowledge, spreading patient expectations, building hope and lending a helping hand. We will initially focus on breast cancer patients as breast cancer is the most prevalent in the UAE type of cancer. However, in the future, we will make this important service available to all cancer patients,” added Dr. Grobmyer.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer or who takes care of someone with cancer is eligible to be an “Angel.” When an Angel is needed, patients will be matched based on similar experiences. Angel connects with patients via phone, email or face-to-face meetings to provide one-on-one support.
The 4th Angel is the compassionate cancer survivor or family member of a patient with first-hand experience. They are positive, helpful, and able to give of their time and life experience to help new patients feel at ease.
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