Watch Party! Connect featured on Mayo Clinic Radio

Thank you everyone for your likes and congratulations on the Mayo Clinic Radio interview.
@1nan @artscaping @fiesty76, @gingerw @keggebraaten and @formydad, I'd also like to pose the question to you as I have to others. What might your response have been to radio host Tracy McCray had she asked you: How did you get involved in Connect? How has it helped? What goal have you achieved with the community?

@colleenyoung My response would have been, "I have been receiving Mayo Clinic Health Newsletters in my inbox for years. July 2018 I noticed a link to explore Mayo connect. Having just moved to a new area where I knew no one, I explored the online forum. Immediately it was clear this was a large group of people who shared and cared. I joined that day and began marathon reading sessions, eventually narrowing down my groups-of-choice, and sharing my own experiences while supporting those I could. Being asked to be a mentor has been an honor, and allows me to give back to a community that has helped me tremendously, in my journey."

I was searching for answers to questions about bladder cancer / kidney removal due to my dad being diagnosed with the issue and wondering what info i could find for he and my mom to help them- Praise God mayo site came up as i perused the site i found connect- was nervous at first because i dont even have a facebook page and i am talking to people i don't really know- BUT SO many people who have first hand experience In the situation and have answers to questions or can relate and when they aren't sure monitors/ mentors know where to send you to get connected to someone who does or get on topic This site has been such a blessing to me and my parents! Helpful on every level-when your in the thick of it - this place is there for you.

@rosemarya and @colleenyoung - I finally got the chance to watch this today. What a neat interview and testament to all that happens in the Connect community. You both were great interviewees. Hoping this radio spot gets into the hands and ears of those who really neat support and they, too, can experience Connect.

@colleenyoung MayoClinicConnect has been very helpful! I found it about a year ago when I was looking for information on my autoimmune disease. What I found was a wonderful group of people who are all facing difficult health issues. Many of them have raised questions that have helped me with the symptoms and side effects of my disease and medications. Connect has helped me help others

I finally had the time to watch the podcast today. I really enjoyed it. You both did an excellent job of explaining what Mayo Connect is about. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Marvin. Like I've asked the others, what might your response have been to radio host Tracy McCray had she asked you: How did you get involved in Connect? How has it helped? What goal have you achieved with the community?

I just had time to watch this, with the volume turned on. I did watch it earlier on my Ipad in the family room but my husband was watching TV so I had the volume muted. I rely heavily on CC but hearing what is being said along with reading it is most helpful. So, thanks for providing CC.

You both did an outstanding job. I hope that people who are not aware of Connect find it and it will lead them to the forum. It is on Facebook, right? Of course I assume you have to be following Mayo to have that in your feed. Too bad there is not some way to get it to others who have no connection to Mayo.

Colleen, you keep asking people "I'd like to hear how you might have answered Tracy McCray had she asked you: How did you get involved in Connect? How has it helped? What goal have you achieved with the community?" so I will give my answer before you ask! I presume I was just googling transplant and came across Connect that way. It has helped, actually more in other areas than in transplant since my transplant was so free of any problems at all. I do like being able to reassure people who are waiting for a transplant though. I wish I had that when I was waiting. I think I have been able to reassure a lot of people, both pre-transplant and in other areas. I think of myself as being very helpful but then I keep discovering problems that I have that I just don't normally think about but as people ask questions I realize I know the answer!
JK

How did I get involved with Connect? I was searching the internet for information on chronic kidney disease and happened to find Mayo Connect. I liked what I was reading and it said if I wanted to join in on the conversation I had to sign up. After joining Connect I did some exploring in Connect and found other topics of interest to me. I am a diabetic, a pancreatic cancer survivor, I have CKD and am waiting for a kidney transplant. Even though the causes of my medical conditions may be unique, the effects of my conditions that I deal with daily - many people have similar issues. The people, especially the moderators, are so sensitive to needs and concerns of the people. I really enjoyed participating in the Mayo walking program and Lighten You Limbs with @retiredteacher. I am so thankful that I found Mayo Connect!

Hi @colleenyoung,

I see I'm a few months late in responding to your post, but here goes:

I found Connect (or maybe Connect found me) when I was struggling with anticipating my third cancer surgery. Connect members responded to me with kind, caring support and encouragement. I found on Connect a way to give back to others in that same place of anxious anticipation. Connect is a gem for those of us dealing with chronic health issues, it is a place where we can be ourselves without being judged or criticized for our questions, concerns and our anxieties!