To close out this week's blog series ("One for All"), we bring you an interview with another noted "welcomer" from our Fibromyalgia community. Meet Babsie. A member of the 19,000-member community, she has commented on hundreds of patient profiles to date (which is highlighted in a graphic on Jeff Cole's earlier blog here). Read on to hear what Babsie has to say about why she joined the Fibromyalgia welcome wagon and what keeps her going.
 | (Liz) Yesterday, we heard from MS community member, Diamondlil58, about her experiences welcoming members. Why did you start welcoming people to the Fibromyalgia community? |
 | (Babsie) Someone welcomed me, and it made me feel good. I never saw them on the forum, so after a few months I was curious and seeing the new patients without any subscribers or comments I would subscribe and make a comment. |
| (Liz) What type of responses do you get from people you welcome? |
| (Babsie)Always favorable and kind. Some prayed for me and others became friends outside of PatientsLikeMe. |
| (Liz) Do you keep in touch with people you welcome? |
| (Babsie) Yes, in the forum; it is easier so I encourage people to post there. I monitor the Patients Tab and if they update I respond. I can also look at my own subscribers anytime I wish to send them a Private Message. |
| (Liz) What is one thing you've learned from looking at new member's profiles? |
| (Babsie) Invisible disease is no respector of persons, young and old, their economic status - does not matter. |
| (Liz) Do you feel more engaged with the site and its members as a result of the Welcome Wagon? |
| (Babsie) Yes, if I am feeling isolated I go and invite others to participate. |
| (Liz) Thanks for all the connections you've made just by inviting others to participate, Babsie! |