An Update on Kim Rhodes, Our Wonderful Associate Editor

Today, I want to share some news about Kim Rhodes, our wonderful associate editor, whose writing many of you have loved for the past few years. This past November 2021, Kim underwent emergency brain surgery and has since been recovering under the excellent care of medical teams, friends and family. Although the road ahead will be challenging, her team remains optimistic.

Anyone who has met her knows that Kim is a bright light. She joined Cup of Jo in summer 2019 — on her first day, she wore a gold sequin skirt that made light dance on the walls and ceiling, which felt fitting for her personality. In the office, she regularly cracks us up and always knows the best TV shows, podcasts and memes. She has written popular pieces on everything from thigh rub and Trader Joe’s snacks to moving to NYC and starting to date at age 30 to race and body acceptance.

I know many of you will ask how you may be able to help Kim and her family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe has been set up by Kim’s friend Erin to help with her continued medical care and to move her closer to her parents. As you know, medical, moving, caregiving and other living expenses add up very rapidly, all throughout recovery. We know she would be touched by and grateful for any support. And her fiancé, Steven, wrote this beautiful note:

“People have been asking what they can do for Kim. I would like Kim to know that the work she has begun in life continues, and I would like to ask people to help her continue that work by doing some of the following:
– Support a Black-owned business.
– Advocate for mental health awareness.
– Advocate for equitable healthcare for Black women.
– Write something from the heart that illuminates truths you understand that others need to know.
– Make someone you love laugh for no reason.
– Find new ways to tell people that you love them.
– Act courageously even though you might be feeling fear.
– Effortlessly make the world a better place by simply being in it.”

Thank you, thank you for reading Kim’s work through the years and witnessing what an amazing person she is. And thank you again for considering the GoFundMe. We are rooting for you, Kim. We love you.

(Photo by Christine Han.)