Our journeys differ; our shared goal is to move ahead: Meet @walkinggirl

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@walkinggirl: I found Mayo Clinic Connect by accident well over a year after a septal myectomy at Mayo Clinic. Looking back, it would have been helpful to know about this patient community around the time of my referral in February 2022. I had been living with diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) for several years without any impact on my life. Until that fateful February, I was uninterested in knowing more than the general details of the condition.

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?

@walkinggirl: New members to the forum are often confused, anxious, scared, trying to make sense of their diagnoses, and looking for direction on their next steps, just as I was. Helping people by referring them to sources of information, sharing experiences, offering encouragement and suggesting practical hints that may help them feel like they are in more control and that they are not alone. 

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

@walkinggirl: Our discussions about so many aspects of HCM on a relatively anonymous forum is a safe way to connect with other big-hearted people. I can identify with what others are experiencing even though each of our experiences is unique.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@walkinggirl: I participate in the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Visiting Mayo Clinic support groups. I like to share aspects about visiting Mayo Clinic in Rochester, insurance and travel to Rochester. 

In addition, I am a member of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association where I am a Face of HCM.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment you've experienced on Mayo Clinic Connect. 

@walkinggirl: I had a meaningful moment when I realized that the care plan is unique for each of us. That made me feel I was being treated as an individual. I also learned that each of us have HCM, yet each step is experienced differently. Some Mayo Clinic Connect members found certain steps along the way easier than I did and vice versa. 

Many thanks to Mentor Debra @karukgirl for her valuable input and for being a great role model!

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

@walkinggirl: The most surprising realization was that even though my fellow big-hearted HCM members share the same diagnoses, treatments, surgery, and recovery are so different for each of us. 

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

@walkinggirl: Achieving a balance between social times and quiet, alone times are both essential in my life. Realizing this helps me strive to maintain it.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@walkinggirl: I have many pastimes and activities, so choosing a single favorite is impossible! I am a Volkswalker and have completed my goal of walking in all 50 states and all 51 capital cities ten years ago. I volunteer, like to be with family (husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandson), play Mah Jongg, travel, love photography (have won photo contests), garden, geocache, cook healthy meals, bike, paddle, garden, read, do counted cross stitch, genealogy, listen to music (I used to play piano quite well), and solve puzzles.

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

@walkinggirl: 

• Be kind. 
• Do it now, crystal balls are unreliable. 
• The glass is half full rather than half empty.

TERESA: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?

@walkinggirl: I have several groups of friends, surprisingly with few overlaps. I appreciate that we like to listen to and talk about almost everything!

TERESA: What food can you not resist?

@walkinggirl: Soft chocolate ice cream!

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

@walkinggirl: An actress with red hair and brown eyes. Kate Mara who has curly red hair as I did before I reached that certain age! Julia Roberts sometimes dyes her hair red.

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

@walkinggirl: We live just north of Saratoga Springs, NY, a beautiful small city with historical and cultural significance. There are many parks nearby where we enjoy the outdoors.

TERESA: Puppies or kittens? 

@walkinggirl: We have no pets, but I like puppies.

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic 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.

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