My journey with diabetes & CKD: Meet @cehunt57

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?

@cehunt57: I live with diabetes plus various complications, and am a pancreas transplant recipient. I also have chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 4). About six years ago my pancreas and kidney function started to decline. While I was looking into transplant centers to evaluate me for simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant (SPK), I discovered Mayo Clinic Connect. I found a wide range of groups and discussions where members could share their medical experiences (information, tests, and treatments, etc.) to encourage others.

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

@cehunt57: Members are generally not medical providers who are responsible for diagnosing and prescribing. We are just ordinary lay people who share our own stories to offer support to others who may be in similar situations.

ROSEMARY: What groups do you participate in?

@cehunt57: Diabetes & Endocrine System, Kidney & Bladder, and Transplants are the main groups that I follow. I also have an interest in Neuropathy and Eye Conditions groups. In the past few years (2020 to present) I also follow the information shared in Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 group.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@cehunt57: It has been especially rewarding when something I have posted resonates with another member and we have been able to share in more detail through the private message. I also have high regard for the moderators and volunteer mentors of Mayo Clinic Connect. They are so helpful and responsive. I’m afraid to specifically mention any by name for fear of leaving someone out.

ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@cehunt57: I was surprised by the broad scope of the membership. It is not limited to patients of the Mayo Clinic system or even just people from America. There are members from all over the world.

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

@cehunt57: I am Christian. I would be remiss if I left that out. I believe God created me and I have put my life into His hands for His care and keeping. I refer to my pancreas transplant as my “personal miracle”. I find that I must remind myself that my current situation and future aspects of this health journey are in His control, not mine. I am blessed.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@cehunt57: I love to read. Reading is entertaining and educational. Acquiring new information is powerful.

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

@cehunt57: I rely on a Proverb from the Bible. It is Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

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

@cehunt57: Honesty. This is a quality that is very important to me. It is becoming a rare virtue. I don’t have a lot of friends but those I have can be trusted to be honest and true.

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

@cehunt57: I live in Minnesota and there are four seasons. I like variety. I just wish spring, summer and autumn were longer. I’m not a huge fan of winter.

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