January #MonthlyMission: Give back year-round in 2017

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Dec 14, 2016 | Melissa Bear | @mbear | Comments (4)

So I have to say that the most rewarding part of being a mentor, is that I can extend my hand and send a gentle virtual squeeze to someone hundreds of miles away. I like that." --Rosemary, Connect Mentor
The holiday season is full of giving — to family and friends, as well as those in need. The #MonthlyMission call for the New Year is to make giving back part of your life year-round.

Take some time at the end of this year to consider the causes you're passionate about and those who need a helping hand. How can you embed helping others as an ongoing part of your life?

A unique way to give back based on your schedule is by becoming a Mayo Clinic Champion or a Mentor on the Mayo Clinic Connect online community.

Rosemary extends a virtual hand to others on Connect

Rosemary (you can find her @rosemarya) recently began to volunteer her time to support the Connect
community as a patient mentor. Following her treatment at Mayo Clinic for a liver/kidney transplant, Rosemary found a community of support from fellow transplant patients at home. After discovering Connect, Rosemary joined to build a new community online. For her, becoming a mentor was a natural fit.

"When I was approached about becoming a mentor, it was natural to say yes,” says Rosemary. "I see this as a ministry -- as a way to support and uplift others who are similar to myself."

"The most rewarding thing for me about my decision to become a Connect mentor has to be the ability to touch others," says Rosemary. "I clearly remember that whenever I had a procedure at Mayo, there was a nurse who came to my bedside. She would always call me by name; she would introduce herself; she would ask me if I had any questions. And then, she would hold my hand and tell me that she would be with me."

"I always felt a gentle little squeeze to my hand as the anesthesia took effect. And, then, she was with me when I woke up. This was comforting and reassuring to me each time it happened," adds Rosemary. "So I have to say that the most rewarding part of being a mentor, is that I can extend my hand and send a gentle virtual squeeze to someone hundreds of miles away. I like that."

What surprised Rosemary about being a Connect Mentor?

"In reading many of the ongoing discussions on Connect, I am touched by the stories that people share," says Rosemary. "I have come to realize that there are many people who are struggling with many issues. And there are so very many people who don’t have anyone to support them."

Thanks to Rosemary and others like her, there are people who extend a hand. To those people looking for answers and hoping to find help, Rosemary is a critical connection-maker.

Learn more about mentors on Connect. 

Spread the word about Champions

If you know someone who might be interested in being a Mayo Clinic Champion, let them know about our community. You determine the time you dedicate to being a Champion and what activities you do.

And remember, your feedback and ideas are critical so please email us with comments and ideas.