Connect Feels Like Home with a Heart: Meet @danab

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.

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

@danab: I kind of stumbled onto Connect, I don't remember how I found it, but am so happy I did. Since I found this forum, I'm in love with all the people I've met and really like talking to others who have similar medical conditions. Plus, now, two years post-heart transplant, I love helping others who are just entering the process. I so remember how often, over the years, I wished I had known about Connect.

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

@danab: I would have to say I am a person who is somewhat trusting anyway. But, also, everyone always makes me feel like we are lifelong friends. It’s a special place. I can't explain it, but I feel so at home with everyone.

ROSEMARY: What groups do you participate in?

@danab: You'll find me most often in:

• Transplants
• Just Want to Talk
• Digestive Health
• Heart and Blood Health
• Heart Rhythm Conditions
• Infectious Diseases
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Healthy Living

ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.

@danab: I think what I find rewarding is just realizing how many people have the same feelings and issues as I do. I really like it when I can help someone who asks a question I have had experience with. I recall there was a discussion I joined on pacemakers. It was really nice to hear others and some of the issues they have, and I hope my story helped others facing life with a pacemaker. 

Another instance was a discussion about how to plan for your time in the hospital. I remember that one the most, since I have lots of experience there. It was fun to see all the ideas everyone shared about how to be ready and make the hospital more comfortable for them. A couple of things I learned were to always pack a long cell phone charging cord and a notepad to write questions when the doctors come around. Simple things, but unless you have been there, not always thought of.

ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@danab:How many really nice people are here and the vast variety of conditions covered. It feels like one big family who really care for each other. 

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

@danab: My daily reading of the Bible and prayer, where I find great advice and guidance for all areas of my life. God inspires me and countless others through His Word and the promise of life eternal in Heaven.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@danab: Well, I love to play golf, go hiking and camping, and spend time with my family and church community. I enjoy a nice dinner out with my awesome wife and friends. And, I have five wonderful children and now 10 grandchildren. I love them all. 

ROSEMARY:  What food can you simply not resist?

@danab:Seafood and steak. I don't have steak very often, so I enjoy it even more when I do. I like to follow the Mediterranean diet, so I eat seafood a couple times a week and try to limit red meat to once a week. Hands down, my favorite place to get my surf and turf is a small Italian restaurant I used to frequent while working up in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, named Mario’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge. I don’t get up there as often anymore.

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

@danab:Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 

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

@danab: Well, I live in Arizona, in between the warm deserts and mountain tree line. I can see all my favorite seasons. Arizona is such a diverse place that I’m never disappointed as I travel around the state. I'm a New Englander, so I like to visit snow, but I’m so done with shoveling it. I love the desert for the warmth of our winters. I remember a ranger on Mount Lemmon once said you can visit every single climate zone there is, from the Canadian border to Arizona, driving up Mount Lemmon. In just about an hour I can enjoy a drive from Canada to Arizona!

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