Peer support as an essential part of healing: Meet @valentinaz

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@valentinaz: I received my endometrial cancer diagnosis and care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and learned about Mayo Clinic Connect then.

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

@valentinaz: I believe that peer support is an essential part of healing. No one goes through anything alone, even if it sometimes feels like we do.

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

@valentinaz: I think the community is welcoming and inclusive, and seems to follow the adage, 'take what's helpful and leave the rest.'

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@valentinaz: I primarily take part in the discussions in the Gynecologic Cancers support group and sometimes follow along in the Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group.

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

@valentinaz: I was surprised and pleased at what skilled moderators and volunteer mentors Mayo Clinic Connect has. They constantly show such care, empathy and compassion. We are very lucky to have them!

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

@valentinaz: I'm not so sure about balance, but I've meditated daily for years. I think it helps my nervous system immensely.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@valentinaz: It's a dead heat between cooking/baking and reading. I'm learning a lot about plant-based cooking and baking. It's so interesting and, honestly, really delicious. Because I read so much non-fiction and history, I wouldn't say I read for pleasure as much as using it as an exercise in learning and unlearning.

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

@valentinaz: I have so many! Here's one: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." --Arthur Ashe

TERESA: What food can you simply not resist? 

@valentinaz: I'm unable to resist stopping at a farmer's market stall wherever I may find myself. In the summer, I go to my local market every week.

TERESA: Puppies or kittens? 

@valentinaz: Both, of course! 🙂

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