She lost a child. She’s raising a daughter with special needs. She battled cancer.
And somehow… she chose to say yes.

In this powerful episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, Kim Dodds shares how she faced life’s hardest trials—grief, special needs parenting, and a breast cancer diagnosis—without becoming bitter or stuck in “Why me?”

Instead, Kim chose a different path. She learned to accept reality, lean on faith, and keep moving forward with resilience and purpose.

We talk about what it really looks like to support a child with Down syndrome and autism, how to cope with loss and grief, and the mindset shifts that help you stay strong during hard times. Kim shares practical tools for emotional healing, the importance of community support, and how choosing growth over victimhood can change your life.

If you’re navigating a difficult season, this episode will give you hope, perspective, and real-life strategies to help you keep going—even when life doesn’t feel fair.

Meet My Guest:

Kim Dodds is a mother of six and caregiver to a daughter with Down syndrome and autism. With a degree in Exercise Science from BYU, she chose to focus on raising her family while navigating challenges including loss, special needs parenting, and breast cancer.

She is passionate about staying active, building community, and finding joy in everyday life. Her story offers insight into overcoming adversity, strengthening family relationships, and choosing a growth-focused mindset.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience comes from accepting reality and choosing your response
Parenting a child with special needs requires adaptability and support
Community resources like respite care can be life-changing
Grief takes time, but healing is possible
Finding meaning in trials can reduce suffering
Career changes are possible at any stage of life
Creative outlets support mental and emotional health
Physical movement can aid healing during stress and illness
Open communication helps families process hard experiences
Writing can be a powerful tool for emotional healing
Marriage and intimacy require intentional effort
Faith and community strengthen you through trials
A positive perspective can improve overall well-being

Chapters:

00:00 Introducing Kim Dodds
04:33 When a Parent Has Mental Health Issues
08:08 Raising a Special Needs Child
14:14 Changing Careers: Choosing Your Hard
20:15 Hard Chooses You: Losing a Child
25:57 Inspiring Distractions
29:38 Navigating Life Choices and Resilience
34:28 Faith Through the Trial
37:35 Sex After Marriage
40:53 Crossroads: Children Leaving the Nest
43:29 Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
49:11 The Sendy Support Group
52:07 Positive Outlook During Trials
56:40 Rapid Fire Questions

Mentioned in the Show:

Find all of the show notes here

How to Connect with Your Children: The Surprising Science of “Good Enough” Parenting

Brades’ Place

Aspen Grove Family Camp

Utah Quilt Guild

Intimately Us App

The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright

The Rookie on Hulu

Tabitha’s Way - Local Food Pantry

Free Coaching & Subscribe:

👉 Subscribe: sendymom.com
👉 Email Becky: becky@sendymom.com

Becky’s Free Coaching Calendar