Tonni-Sue's story

Tonni-Sue, a patient at Frauenshuh Cancer Center, volunteered her time to serve as project manager of CONNECT.

	Tonni-Sue and her dogs

“My cancer experience was a difficult one. My body didn’t take kindly to chemotherapy and I had numerous side effects. I even had side effects from the drugs I was taking to combat the side effects. Without close family or a wide circle of friends, I spent most of my recovery alone.

I wasn’t well enough to go to many support groups; the few I did attend did not address my concerns. I spent some time with online discussion boards and groups. Reading about others in their struggles helped me feel less secluded, but the people seemed like distant entities.

While I received great support from my wonderful care team at Park Nicollet, I still felt isolated much of the time. My dogs did the best they could to keep me company, but there is nothing like the caring of others who have been there.

By the time my treatment was finished, I was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. I was no longer the person I used to be, but I wasn’t yet the person I would become. I was left to rethink my life. I knew I wanted to do something to help others fighting cancer.

During a Renewing Life class at Park Nicollet, I realized the true power of face-to-face meetings. While we each had a different diagnosis, we shared the human bonds of feelings and experiences in a small, safe, local environment.

The CONNECT idea was brought to the patient advisory board in February. As a member, I was instantly drawn to the potential of connecting Park Nicollet patients, family and friends with each other. I immediately volunteered my talents to this powerful and valuable initiative. CONNECT allows me to make neighborhood support a reality for others, and fulfill my new vision – giving back to others who are dealing with cancer.”

Read other stories from Joe and Debi, or learn more about CONNECT.