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City Glad To Have Angel In Its Midst

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - From Doloras Perrone's perspective, Michael Cichon is performing miracles.

The Temple Terrace physician, who specializes in internal medicine and infectious diseases, has developed therapies that have improved the quality of life for patients with complex, incurable illnesses such as Lyme disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
To further help his patients, Cichon also founded the Clinic of Angels, a nonprofit organization that helps chronically ill people pay for extensive medical treatments that are not covered by insurance plans and often drain families' financial resources.
Perrone was diagnosed about five years ago with Lyme disease, a tick-induced illness that left her battling severe flulike symptoms, joint swelling and, eventually, leg paralysis.

"I was on my deathbed," said Perrone, who was forced to quit a job she loved and endured severe bouts of homebound loneliness and devastating depression.

That was until the Carrollwood resident met Cichon, who did everything in his power to find a treatment that put her back on her feet and out in society, she said. Although there is no cure for the disease, Perrone is symptom-free.

"He's just an exceptional doctor who just wants to help people," said Perrone, who is now the Clinic of Angels executive director, not only as a tribute to Cichon but in hopes that others confronted with debilitating diseases can also return to living productive lives.

In November 2005, Cichon started the virtual clinic - one that operates online and is overseen by a board of directors from a variety of professions - as a means to raise money to help patients worldwide.

"It began out of the frustration of trying to get people well, only to have the rug pulled out from under them and me by their insurance companies," Cichon said. "The Clinic of Angels is not only meant to help patients in the Tampa Bay area but throughout the globe."

Through its Web site, www.clinicofangels.com, and word of mouth, the organization raised about $50,000 last year and has raised $70,000 this year.

"The key is to get people to know about it," said Cichon, who has practiced 31 years in Temple Terrace and last week hosted a fundraising open house at his office on North 56th Street. "We welcome archangels who have money to give and special angels who volunteer to serve on committees or raise money on their own."

Chicago resident Jim O'Brien learned about the charity from a college buddy who happened to be Cichon's son. Inspired by stories of the doctor's innovative techniques and the dramatic improvement of many of his patients, O'Brien will embark, in June, on a two-year run-a-thon that will take him around the world at his own expense.

"Contributions like that are like winning the lottery for the patients," said Cichon's wife, Elaine.
Temple Terrace Mayor Joe Affronti said Cichon is known throughout the world for his cutting-edge therapies for patients suffering with chronic diseases and illnesses.

"He's such a great, compassionate guy who really cares about his patients," Affronti said. "I know because I've been a patient of his."

The city's first lady, Liz Affronti, a retired oncology nurse, said Cichon is the best physician she knows.

"Founding the Clinic of Angels is typical of him, and I'm overwhelmed by all the volunteering opportunities," she said.

Paul D'Agostino, director of the Child Abuse Council, is a member of the Clinic of Angels board and is a friend of Cichon's.

"I know that he really cares and is concerned about his patients," he said. "He just saw more and more patients with a need for financial assistance and saw this as a great cause."

Cichon said he has shared in the despair of patients who were unable to complete treatment plans because of their insurance and personal financial limitations. His goal is that no chronically ill patient goes untreated.

He has erected a large iron bell outside the entrance to his office. When a patient undergoes a treatment that improves his well-being, Cichon and his staff ring the bell.

The same happens when donors make contributions to the clinic.

"You know, angels sing when the bell rings," Cichon said.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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