@colleenyoung- I got involved with Connect as a result of searching for support and information on the Internet. I have Multifocal Adenocarcinoma of the lung, a NSCLC and I had never talked to anyone who had it too. I was also suffering from PTSD as a result and I craved more support, not only through meeting others who suffer from this too but understand it more.
Has it helped? A huge yes to this. One big thing that I hadn't realized is that by helping others, as intensely as what happens on Connect being surprised that it made me feel so great! It was addicting, this give and take two way street.
When I was asked to be a Mentor for the Lung Cancer group I wanted to make sure that I reached out and answered every cry for help in the Lung Cancer group that I could. I didn't want anyone to be afraid or feel alone. I know the feeling of not having anyone else who really knows what I felt, even with a supportive family. By mentoring I have been able to grow as a person and by commenting and being supportive I was able to reach more people and help them. It's still amazing to me how much I have gotten back. It's a huge dividend! Someone once said, "A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal."