Angel Squad provides personal and practical support to patients with breast cancer
Navigating a breast cancer journey isn’t easy, so compassion and practical help can make a big difference for patients – especially when first receiving a diagnosis or starting treatment.
That’s what the Angel Squad provides at the UAB Breast Health Center, which is located in The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital and part of the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. This self-funded group of UAB-trained volunteers offers patients a shoulder to cry on and a wide range of personal and practical support.
The group was founded in 2000 by cancer survivors and co-survivors, and they’ve been serving patients with breast cancer ever since. You can identify them by the pink smocks they wear.
“Our main message on that first day of diagnosis or the first day of treatment planning is that you will not be alone in this, ever,” said Angel Squad Vice President Connie Bowers. “Not all patients need the same thing, but a lot of them need something we can help with.”
Angel Squad volunteers share helpful information, escort patients between appointments, engage them in thoughtful conversation, assist with children during visits, and deliver gifts from the support community – from personal items to snacks and gas cards. They bring coffee, relay messages to family and caregivers, and help patients keep track of important matters.
“Whatever comes up while you are here, we are going to be aware and help as we are able,” Bowers said.
How Angels get their wings
Currently there are 23 active “Angels”. Each one undergoes training with UAB Medicine Volunteer Services and learns the guidelines for working with patients. They also receive coaching from other Angels about common scenarios they’ll encounter.
“You have to be a kind and compassionate person, and someone who can be responsive to the signals patients are giving about what level of interaction they need,” Bowers said.
Angels sign up for monthly shifts in the UAB Breast Health Center, primarily in the diagnostic mammography area, where many patients first learn of their breast cancer diagnosis. The fact that these volunteers are survivors themselves helps them relate with patients on a deeper level.
Some of the items that Angels provide are simply thoughtful, like treat bags during long visits for patients who may neglect to eat. Other items are special comforts, such as seat belt cushions and blankets. “We all put in a lot of time behind the scenes to make sure our supplies are stocked properly and that we are prepared for every week,” Bowers said.
In some cases, it may be something as simple as escorting patients between appointments using private hallways, so that they can remain in their gowns. Angels also provide updates to loved ones in waiting areas. Most of their work takes place in The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, but Angels sometimes go out in the community to spread awareness about breast cancer.
How Angels keep flying
Since the Angel Squad is self-funded, it relies on local partnerships and fundraising efforts to cover the cost of gift bags, totes, gas cards, and other items for patients. Each fall, in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Angels sell Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q gift cards as part of a partnership with the restaurant chain.
The cards never expire, and a portion of each $10 gift card sold directly supports the Angel Squad’s mission. To purchase a gift card, speak to any member of the Angel Squad or visit an Angel Squad table on one of these dates:
- Oct. 11 – UAB Hospital North Pavilion
- Nov. 8 – UAB Hospital-Highlands
Learn more about breast cancer care and support services at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.