Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Oncology Institute has launched the 4th Angel Program, a personalized peer support initiative, aimed at empowering those affected by cancer and its treatment.
The 4th Angel Program idea came from a U.S. figure skating Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton who recovered from cancer. He revealed that three angels had helped him through his journey. Scott’s oncologist at Cleveland Clinic was his first angel; his oncology nurse was the second; and his family and friends were his third.
However, what he felt was missing was a fourth angel – someone who had been in his shoes and who understood what he was going through and how he was feeling. And so, the 4th Angel Program was created – bringing patients together with survivors of the same cancer type.
Following its huge success and positive impact on well-being, this program has been extended from Cleveland Clinic and brought to the UAE in what is its first international expansion.
Shared experience
Dr Stephen Grobmyer, Chair of the Oncology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explained: “What Scott went through was something that many also experience, that feeling of being alone and of being afraid of what the world has in store for them post-diagnosis. Not all angels have wings. Some angels are people who have had their world turned upside down by cancer, either by battling the disease themselves or caring for a loved one, and now want to share their experience with someone about to go through the same journey. This runs at the very heart of the personalized peer support initiative.”
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s 4th Angels are empathetic cancer patients who want to give back and can provide one-on-one support to cancer patients with similar experiences. They are trained volunteers with firsthand experience of cancer, who can answer difficult questions and provide helpful, positive, and much-needed strategies learned from their own experiences.
Despite its very recent launch, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi 4th Angel Program, which was pioneered with breast cancer patients and survivors – as breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the UAE – has already attracted 14 volunteers, who are in the process of being trained by oncology nurses and other staff from the Oncology Institute and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Compassion and empathy
Zeina Kassem, Nursing Director Oncology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi said: “No doubt, by volunteering their time and sharing experiences, recovered cancer patients, and their family and friends hold the key to the success of this incredible program. This is coupled with the vast experience and expertise, as well as the compassionate and empathetic care of our oncology nurses who are dedicated to understand the journey of each cancer patient and play a vital role in making it seamless and comfortable. They support the 4th Angel program by educating patients, providing support to their caregivers, and matching them with suitable 4th Angels.”
Anyone diagnosed with cancer is eligible to be matched with an ‘Angel’. When an Angel is requested for, the patient will be matched based on similar experiences. The Angel then contacts the patient to offer one-on-one support via phone, email or face-to-face meetings.
Dr Grobmyer concluded: “We know that a cancer diagnosis for you or a loved one is a challenging time and can be a life-changing event. The program empowers patients and their families via education and guidance for their journey through cancer treatment and survivorship, providing awareness, hope and a much needed helping hand. At our Oncology Institute, we offer expert, specialized treatment at every step of the journey, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and compassionate care you need. The 4th Angel Program is an extension of the compassionate care we provide. It aims to promote and support world-class research and quality care that will hopefully, one day lead to a cure for cancer.”
- To request a 4th Angel, or if you would like to become a 4th Angel yourself, send an email to: 4thangel@clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae
or call 80082223/ 025019205 to request your patient mentor today. The program is free of charge.
