Great opportunities are heavy burdens: meet @becsbuddy

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow 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.

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? What motivates you to take part in the community?

@becsbuddy: I found Mayo Clinic Connect when I was on the computer trying to find information on my newly-diagnosed autoimmune disease, chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS), which is very rare. I looked at the information members share through their posts and thought, “This is what I need.”

I felt I needed Mayo Clinic Connect just to hear from other people dealing with sudden changes in their lives.  As a nurse, I’m also motivated because I know I can help others with my inside knowledge of hospitals and healthcare, and others can help me.

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

@becsbuddy: I like that we’re all anonymous to begin with, but everyone feels comfortable enough to switch to their real name eventually. Everyone is so accepting, helpful, kind and supportive, and offers what they can.

JOHN: What groups do you participate in?

@becsbuddy: I participate in Autoimmune Diseases (not that I know very much!), Depression & Anxiety, the Gratitude discussion group and other discussions in the Just Want to Talk group. I also try to answer questions that may come across my email or show up in the Connect Daily Digest, if I think I have something helpful to contribute.

JOHN: Who has been a special connection for you on Connect?

@becsbuddy: A great moment for me in Mayo Clinic Connect was Jennifer Hunter’s story about art and healing. She really made an impact. She challenged me to get back to my art quilts and give myself a boost. It's been difficult because I lost so many of my skills. And some of the members are great at giving pep talks, which I really need.

JOHN: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@becsbuddy: Mayo Clinic Connect surprises me with the amount of love and support members provide one another, even when they are having a bad day.

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

@becsbuddy: I get energized by going outdoors when the weather is sunny, even if its cold. But sunny. If my friends are out in the park, we just walk and walk and visit — they’ve been so supportive. I find balance by only doing what I absolutely have to do and taking the time to do what I want to do!

JOHN:  Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@becsbuddy: My favorite hobby is contemporary quilting. These quilts can be either personal or political. @JenniferHunter challenged me to do something that would reflect the journey I’ve been on these past two years, so that’s what I’m working on now. I’m having to do a lot of relearning and practicing, but it’s worth it.

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

@becsbuddy: My favorite quote: “Great opportunities are heavy burdens.”

We saw this on a billboard in Texas when we were faced with a big decision and also an opportunity. My husband, an army officer, was told that he would need to move to Boston to start work on his Ph.D., but I was still in nursing school. Great opportunity for him, but a heavy burden for me. But, we did it, and I came out stronger. Now, I see my participation on Mayo Clinic Connect as a real opportunity for me to use my nursing and psychosocial skills to help others.

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

@becsbuddy: I appreciate their company, having good talks, or just doing something interesting or important.

JOHN:  What food can you simply not resist?

@becsbuddy: I simply cannot resist dark chocolate!

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

@becsbuddy: We live in Boulder, Colorado, now for almost 25 years. I love it. The lifestyle is active but not formal like on the East Coast where we lived for five years. The sun is usually out, except when it rains or snows!

See more Member Spotlights.