Cancer Support: The 4th Angel Story

When diagnosed with testicular 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, understood what he was feeling, and could provide cancer support in a way no one else can.

After defeating his illness, Scott dedicated his life to promoting cancer research and awareness and to enlisting the help of a host of “angels” to support and comfort patients facing their own battle with cancer. To that end, he launched his CARES Initiative, The Cancer Alliance for Research Education and Survivorship and founded its first survivorship program at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute – the 4th Angel Mentoring Program.

A 4th Angel Caregiver Mentor is a caregiver of a cancer survivor trained in peer counseling who serves a mentor to a current caregiver of a cancer patient. 4th Angels are people who have “been there” and who now support cancer patients in their time of need.

The mission of the program is to provide cancer support to all those affected by the disease by providing comfort, reassurance, information, coping techniques and practical advice.

Get Involved

For more information on contacting your own personal 4th Angel, or to volunteer as a 4th Angel Program mentor or caregiver mentor, call 216-444-8434 or 866-520-3197 or e-mail 4thangel@ccf.org.