Great Benefit: The empathetic ripple effect of Mayo Clinic Connect

@schmerdloff Absolutely! I love being able to provide a direct link to an appropriate Mayo Connect discussion when they are dealing with a health issue. I just did it yesterday for a friend dealing with an issue related to her Parkinsons medication.

The reliability of Connect information and the safety of our support groups is what brought me here over eight years ago, and keeps me coming back as a volunteer.

Please keep sharing our resource whenever you can!

PS We have over 300,000 members, many who just come to read and listen, so you reach is far broader than you can imagine. We have great leadership in Colleen and the other moderators, and are fortunate to have the financial, technical and policy support of Mayo Clinic.

To @shmerdloff That is a great post. I agree. Because of the community we have here at Connect, I believe my attitude towards others, even those who aren't a part of this community has improved. I understand better how to empathize and understand better what others are going through. So, this experience has helped me no doubt. I only hope I have helped others, even a tiny bit. We never really know. We can only hope.

@sueinmn Great volunteer mentors like yourself really help us make the best of reading the often excellent and helpful posts here. Thank you to the max !

Good points above. When I’m at the gym and I observe various people there exercising, who have obvious physical ailments or disabilities, I see them in a different light, realizing what they may be experiencing. It really gives me a certain perspective about people who are managing health issues. I have more empathy and I try to show them encouragement and kindness. The strength and drive I see in them is amazing and an inspiration to me.