Paying forward the kindness of strangers: Meet @lindabees

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@lindabees: My husband, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic neuroendocrine (NET) cancer in 2008, became a patient at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix when we moved to the area in 2020. I've always been involved in various online NET support pages and was excited to see that Mayo had such a forum where patients and caregivers can share experiences and provide guidance.

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

@lindabees: When my husband was diagnosed in 2008, there were very few online NET support forums. I found one or two that were fairly active and joined them, looking for answers, guidance and hope. So many people were so kind to me and helped us immeasurably in those early days. I joined Mayo Clinic Connect to pay it forward and hopefully help others who are recently diagnosed or struggling with this disease.

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

@lindabees: I really appreciate the moderators and mentors who are so active on Connect. That really sets it apart from other support forums. I find it a very welcoming atmosphere, which makes it very easy to share with others.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@lindabees: Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) and the Neuropathy support groups.

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

@lindabees: A year or so ago, a woman from New Jersey posted for the first time after being diagnosed with a PNET. She was understandably very scared; she was about to be married and was afraid of what this diagnosis and any treatments may mean to her future. I replied, shared our story and offered her some guidance. We ended up in an ongoing communication and she expressed how much it meant to her and how helpful our discussions were. When I hear something like that, it makes my day. Last I heard, she was still free of any disease. Yay!!

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

@lindabees: I don't know if I was surprised, but I was really pleased to see the level of kindness and support of so many members. I don't think I've ever seen someone being unkind, impatient or rude. I think through participating in this forum I've learned how to be even more sympathetic in my interactions.

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

@lindabees: My faith energizes me and keeps me balanced. It's so important, especially because we've been dealing with this cancer for so many years, with a lot of ups and downs. It has really helped to keep me focused on what is truly important in life. My husband also energizes and inspires me with his refusal to let this disease stop him from doing things that he enjoys.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@lindabees: I am really into photography and help lead a local photography club in our town. I also volunteer at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West property as a photographer and also with their Youth and Family group which is really rewarding. 

I also love to read and have been devouring a ton of books recently. (Thank goodness for the library or I'd go broke. LOL.)

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

@lindabees: God's got this. 

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

@lindabees: I live in a beautiful small town just outside of Phoenix and am blessed with beautiful mountain- and desert views all over the town. Plus, it is the home of one of the world's largest man-made fountains. It has a very small town feel, where most everyone is very kind.

TERESA: Puppies or kittens? 

@lindabees: Oh, no question. Puppies! We've always had dogs. Currently, we have a yellow lab named Jake and a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Marlon 

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