Finding solutions through connection: Meet @gabrielm

Nov 17, 2021 | John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Comments (29)

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@gabrielm: I originally discovered Mayo Clinic Connect around 2018 when I was searching for answers for my own condition. As more and more people found my original post about Mysterious shortness of breath, I became more involved. I like to help people who have similar symptoms, sharing my own experiences and how I deal with my health and wellbeing.

JOHN: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@gabrielm: My experiences with Mayo Clinic Connect have always been positive. I have made many connections with various people over the years and have developed a relationship based on mutual help and the sharing of experiences. Connect is run by great moderators who care very much about what they do and facilitate a great experience.

JOHN: What groups do you participate in?

@gabrielm: For right now, I focus on the Lung Health Group. I plan to expand to other groups as a participant or mentor.

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

@gabrielm: The moments that stand out to me are the many times someone new has posted on my original post about shortness of breath or messaged me directly thanking me. They feel relieved to find a forum and community of people who have experienced what they do, and where they can speak with me and others who support them. Many of them have spoken with doctors, friends and family, but weren’t believed or their mysterious medical issues were dismissed. On Connect, they found a community of support, and that helps them find solutions. Interacting with members brings me joy and motivates me to continue being involved in the community however I can.

JOHN: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@gabrielm: How quickly a sense of community can develop online through mutual support of each other’s conditions and difficulties.

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

@gabrielm: My faith energizes me along with my family and friends. I find balance by carving out time for family, hobbies, learning, exercise, and rest. I’m learning that it’s ok to say no to some requests and take the time to slow down every once in a while and enjoy the present moment.

JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@gabrielm: Currently I enjoy fishing and wood carving. I do a lot of mountain stream and river fishing. I have been developing the skill of caricature wood carving, which I find enjoyable and which allows me to share pieces with others. Bringing a smile to someone’s face when they see a finished carving brings me joy. I also find the carving process very relaxing and calming; very therapeutic. 

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

@gabrielm: “Remember that your real wealth can be measured not by what you have, but by what you are.”― Napoleon Hill

JOHN: What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@gabrielm: Green chili!

JOHN: What food can you simply not resist?

@gabrielm: I’ve never met an ice cream I didn’t like!

See more Member Spotlights.

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the About Connect: Who, What & Why blog.

Thanks for letting us get to know you a little better Gabe @gabrielm. Did you get to go up in a hot air balloon when you had the photo taken? Love the picture! You can feel the excitement and I can almost hear the burners filling the balloons with hot air in the background.

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@johnbishop

Thanks for letting us get to know you a little better Gabe @gabrielm. Did you get to go up in a hot air balloon when you had the photo taken? Love the picture! You can feel the excitement and I can almost hear the burners filling the balloons with hot air in the background.

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@johnbishop, I did not go up in the balloon. I’ve just experienced them on the ground close up during our annual balloon fiesta. Great experience nonetheless!

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@gabrielm Hoping you will share some photos of your carvings!!! Hope I don't miss them if you do.

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Thank you for being here. Where we all benefit from your experiences, and kindness. I hope to see you in the halls and have a conversation. I love, love, love your favorite quote.

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I’m happy to “get to know you!” Ive not had the chance to meet you in the lung group because I’m always in the autoimmune group. But, maybe we can talk in reality!

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Very inspiring. Thank you very much for sharing

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@parus

@gabrielm Hoping you will share some photos of your carvings!!! Hope I don't miss them if you do.

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Happy to!

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@becsbuddy

I’m happy to “get to know you!” Ive not had the chance to meet you in the lung group because I’m always in the autoimmune group. But, maybe we can talk in reality!

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Thank you Becky. Would love to talk to you sometime!

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@gabrielm
Hello Gabe,
Nice to meet you. I’ve seen your breathing post but never had any serious breathing problems so I didn’t have anything to contribute. I love ice cream too but rarely eat it now. Once in a while when the ice cream truck goes by I’ll get a 50/50 bar, dreamsickle, orange creamsicle or whatever other name they go by. Im a candyholic. A crumbled candy bar really adds to a bowl of ice cream.
I also went to the balloon festival on my way to the Worlds Fair in New Orleans. Thanks for sharing your sculptures.
Jake
Ps…By the way, do you have any good candy shops in Albuquerque?

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@gabrielm Hi Gabe,

What a great Spotlight. I just love your reasons for being part of Connect. I agree that this is an amazing group of people from different walks of life, who are genuinely looking for connection and support. You are also right about how much people appreciate this forum, it gives all of us a place to share at times when others want to dismiss us.

I so enjoyed hearing about your interest in wood caricatures. The photos are great! Did you take a class to learn this skill?

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