Kim Rodning

Kim Rodning is an accomplished occupational therapist and a resilient figure within the scleroderma community. Born in Winterhaven, Florida, Kim’s life story is one of warmth, family devotion, professional achievement, and personal perseverance. With over 25 years in occupational therapy, she has balanced an impactful career with the challenges of a serious autoimmune condition, and has become an inspiration to others by advocating for those with chronic illness, supporting charitable causes, and fostering a joyful, optimistic outlook on life. Her vibrant personality, artistic talents, dedication to motherhood, and active role in both church and community service define her multidimensional character.

Kim Rodning was born in the small Florida city of Winterhaven, where her formative years were colored by the joys of a large, loving family. Growing up with two siblings, Kim found her early environment to be nurturing and full of adventure. The Rodning family cultivated traditions that would become the bedrock of her value system and optimism. Each summer, they escaped to Marco Island, a ritual that involved fishing trips with her father and collecting shells on the beach with her mother and siblings. These experiences fostered in Kim a deep connection to nature, salt water, and the familial spirit of togetherness.

Her parents were strong influences in her life, teaching her the key qualities of loyalty, unconditional love, faithfulness, and the importance of finding good in others. The lessons learned from her family remain prominent in Kim’s life and outlook.

Kim’s passion for the outdoors and sports shaped her school years. She was actively involved in tennis, softball, cheerleading, and any activities associated with saltwater, such as snorkeling and fishing. Curious to explore life beyond her home state, Kim chose to attend Auburn University in Alabama, where she embarked on the path of health care by pursuing a degree in occupational therapy. The decision to leave Florida and attend Auburn marked a significant turning point, as it set her on a course to help others professionally—a vocation closely aligned with her empathetic nature.

After completing her studies, Kim entered the field of occupational therapy and became a pillar of support for those facing health challenges. Her dedication saw her remain committed to her career and ongoing professional development for twenty-five years and counting.

Kim’s life is characterized by resilience, community engagement, and a knack for bringing laughter into the lives of those around her. Since 2012, she has lived with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), a rare and challenging autoimmune disease that affected her lungs. In 2018, Kim made medical history by becoming the first patient to undergo a stem cell transplant for this condition at Duke University. This procedure halted the disease’s progression, allowing her to continue living an active and meaningful life, although with certain limitations. While she can no longer participate in high-impact sports or sing due to changes in her vocal cords, Kim demonstrates an unwavering positive spirit—she still snorkels and stays as active as possible as a mother and professional.

Kim is described by friends as being cheerful, much like animated characters Dory from "Finding Nemo" or Donkey from "Shrek," always happy, forgetful, and going with the flow. Her artistic skills include drawing and painting, and she is known for her quick wit, love of quoting movies, and a playful, youthful energy. Faith plays a major role in her life; she is an active Episcopalian and involved in her church community.

Her compassion extends beyond her patients—Kim is deeply engaged with the scleroderma community, supports the local D1 Life Foundation, and is committed to providing assistance for the homeless in her town.

• Occupational therapist for 25+ years
• Mother and family tradition keeper
• Pioneer in stem cell transplantation for scleroderma
• Artist and music enthusiast
• Church and charity volunteer

Relationships and family are central to Kim’s life narrative. She was married for twelve years, describing her former spouse as a good man, though the relationship ended due to his wish not to remain married. Since the dissolution of her marriage, Kim has spent fourteen years single, focusing on personal growth and raising her daughters. While she expresses a degree of skepticism about true love, Kim has also reached a stage where she is open to dating again. She values qualities such as loyalty, truthfulness, and companionship, and while not seeking marriage, desires a committed, loving partnership. Her daughters are her greatest joy, with whom she shares deep traditions, regular beach trips, and festive family holidays.

Looking to the future, Kim’s aspirations are anchored in simplicity and sincerity. Her main desire is to share her life with someone who is loyal, honest, and enjoys her unique presence. She is uninterested in marriage for its own sake but values meaningful connection and companionship. Professionally and personally, Kim aspires to continue making a difference: supporting her family, guiding her daughters into independence, learning and thriving in her career, and giving back to the communities that shaped her. She also dreams of maintaining her optimism and good humor, no matter the challenges life presents, and making as many people laugh and feel loved as possible.

Her "fantasies" include staying involved in activities around saltwater—be it snorkeling or relaxed times at the beach—drawing, painting, and perhaps, in her words, "just being goofy" for as long as she can. Kim cherishes living life with a carefree joy, refusing to let her health condition define her boundaries or her future.