Cherri Shinaberger's story is a familiar one for many who have had a cancer diagnosis.

From first hearing the horrifying words "You have breast cancer" to the heartbreak of having to break the news to her family and friends, the double mastectomy surgery, followed by weeks of brutal rounds of chemotherapy, there were many low points for the Townsend woman.

Battling cancer can be enough to leave a person feeling broken in body and spirit.

But Shinaberger had her own personal angel -- and a whole chorus of angels assisting her -- to help her through the fight.

Shinaberger's angel was Merrilee Gilbert, an East Moline, Ill., woman who volunteers for the online Chemo Angels support group.

Chemo Angels is a network of volunteers who provide encouragement and support for chemo patients for the duration of their treatment. That support comes in the form of weekly cards, uplifting notes and occasional small gifts.

According to Gilbert, who still volunteers for the group, there are many ways to volunteer for Chemo Angels. Each patient is assigned a traditional angel, who is the main person from the organization to provide support for that patient. Those who are unsure if they want to commit fully can volunteer as card angels. There are also prayer angels, who are notified when someone needs additional prayers, and special-assignment angels, who are notified when a person is having a hard time and could use some extra cheer.

Gilbert said patients she has been assigned to have told her that her cards had a way of arriving right when they were at a low point and gave them a lift through the day.

"It's amazing how much it means to that person to just get a personal note in the mail that day," Gilbert said.

"I think the angels actually get more out of it than the patients," she continued. "I just envision the smile on their face and it lifts my heart. When I have a bad day, it makes me appreciate I have so much to be thankful for."

Shinaberger said the group was a lift for her at many low points in her journey. The biggest surprise, she said, was on her birthday when her mailbox had 50 cards from all over the country -- along with gifts such as a handmade jewelry box and a fishing rod the father of one of the angels made for her.

"It made my birthday," she said. "I was still on chemo at the time. I was astounded with people's generosity and kindness."

Shinaberger said that even though she's been done with her chemotherapy for several years now, she and Gilbert remain friends

"We still write every day," Shinaberger said in a recent interview. "I got a nice card from her the other day.

"Knowing there's people out there who care for you, pray for you, it really does make a difference," she added. "They just take care of you. They've brought a lot of sunshine in my life. And I've got a beautiful friend."

Joe Menden: 447-4087 or joe.menden@helenair.com