Community can move mountains: Meet @rivermaya34

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@rivermaya34: I was up late searching for answers to some of my chronic conditions, but I was looking for a community of people who would understand. I had tried blogs and forums before, but no luck. Having been to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida previously and always trusting the hospital overall, I felt compelled to give it a shot. What else did I have to lose at this point, besides my dwindling sense of hope? I truly found what I was looking for, and have recommended Mayo Clinic Connect to several other dear friends who are suffering. 

JOHN: What motivates you to take part in the community?

@rivermaya34: What motivates me to participate is the ability to ‘give back’ … i.e. helping others. It brings me so much joy when I know that at the end of the day, I have encouraged someone to keep going without giving false hope. Amazing.

There is no judgment whatsoever; only love. That alone could move mountains.

JOHN: What groups do you participate in?

@rivermaya34: Brain & Nervous System, Chronic Pain, Just Want to Talk, Neuropathy and Heart & Blood Health.

JOHN: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@rivermaya34: Chris Trout @artscaping and John Bishop @johnbishop were the first two members to really make me feel welcomed. Chris has always been super encouraging in every post, reaction or reply. John has always been really insightful and attaches lots of helpful resources on numerous posts. Both Chris and John will always go to far lengths to dig deeper when I or someone else has a question that requires an undiscovered answer. So appreciative of them. 

Rachel Winney @rwinney is also a gem. The first time I read through her story which involved a long, painful rehab, I broke down in tears. That was the first moment I actually felt hope come alive and clung to it tightly. She has always been so encouraging amidst my journey, along with so many others from Mayo Clinic Connect!

JOHN: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@rivermaya34: The sense of community. Finding family in an unexpected global realm. Being able to talk and share deep thoughts with others who truly understand or want to help. The encouragement factor is what really keeps me going; that and when people take time to check on you and see how you’re really doing. Such an amazing group of wonderful souls out there!

JOHN: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@rivermaya34: For me, it’s simply finding solitude in nature. Anything outside, especially in the sun, makes me truly happy. I love to go for walks, hunting and fishing, long drives down scenic dirt roads, kayaking and digging my feet in the pluff mud! Best prescription for a mental reset I could get. I grew up a runner and competitive figure skater. The adrenaline rush of running underneath a vast and radiant sunset makes me feel like I’m flying and gives me a level of inexplicable joy that heals my soul. Figure skating — the sound of the soft ice underneath my blades plus the rhythm of my body in tandem with eloquent music gives me a sense of purpose and empowerment. It’s an expression of inner worship that falls short of words.

JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@rivermaya34: I trained under former Olympian, Sandy Lenz, and competed at the Boston Nationals in 2014 before taking a hiatus. I miss both activities very much.

JOHN: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@rivermaya34: “It’s all good…”

JOHN: What food can you simply not resist?

@rivermaya34: Boston cream donuts and cheese pizza

JOHN: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

@rivermaya34: Erin Krakow

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