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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! 🙂
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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@valentinaz Hello! I’m thrilled to see you in the spotlight. Your posts are an inspiration to all of us in the Gynecological Cancers Support Group.
I’m with you about the farmers’ market. I go every weekend. It’s a place for not only fresh food from our local farmers but also where I get to visit with friends who I run into there.
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3 ReactionsThanks for your kind words @naturegirl5 😊 I commit to going to the farmer's market every week too, partly because our growing season is so short here in Minnesota!
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3 ReactionsHello @valentinaz
I'm so happy that you agreed to be interviewed for a Spotlight. The Mayo Connect community needs to get to know you. You are right when you say that peer support is an essential part of the healing process. You offer great support to others who are dealing and cancer and your contributions make a difference! I'm glad you are part of Connect.
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4 Reactions@valentinaz Great interview! Your positive attitude is a real gift! The members on MCC are so lucky to have you as another member!
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4 ReactionsThank you, @becsbuddy; I appreciate your kind words! 🙂
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2 ReactionsI really appreciate your work as a mentor, @hopeful33250 and I enjoyed working with you on this Spotlight; thanks again!
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2 ReactionsIt was my pleasure, @valentinaz!
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2 ReactionsMy sister had a gynecological cancer. My having a breast cancer 1st did not help her. Having Mayo as your hospital was a blessing. Your joining connect was our blessing. I love the simpleness of your share and the fact i love love baking.
A farmers market looks to be something I must add. I live in So Cal. Tasty food sounds good.
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4 ReactionsHi @katgob ! I'm sorry that your cancer experience couldn't help your sister's. I hope finding a farmer's market in So. Cal will be as easy as it sounds to this Minnesotan, and that you come to enjoy them as much as I do 🙂 What do you like to bake? I've had a sourdough starter for quite a few years now, but I also like baking treats like cakes and cookies. Thanks for your lovely post❤
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2 ReactionsValentinaz.
Thank you. My sister did not want the genetic test done as she does not trust them. Invasive info the insurance companies want. Three of five siblings including me the 1st, and one niece carry the Brca2 mutation.
I am checking out local Farmers markets today. Baking? I love cookies, bars and holiday cheesecake or chocolate anything including cakes. I have a campus safety team at the college i work at, and a group i attend Monday nights who eat anything I bring. This allows me to taste but not gorge it all.
I LOVE sourdough bread, although i have read about starters but never started one!!
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