“Find something to be thankful for every day.”
Linda and her husband of 35 years, Dr. Jerry, live in Valparaiso, Indiana. They have three children, Sarah, Dr. Andrew, and Dr. Zach, and are expecting their first grandchild in December 2017.
As a dedicated teacher of 44 years in the Portage Township School system, Linda allows her students to face things that occur in life and find meaning and blessings in whatever life’s path holds for them. In 2012, during her battle with cancer, Linda was named the “Teacher of Excellence” and strived to show others that “life does go on” after diagnosis. Cancer did not hold Linda back in life; instead, it pushed her to proceed and make every day important in her life and the lives of others.
Linda is an active community volunteer affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, United Way, Valparaiso Park Department, and the Don Quijote Scholarship Committee. She has also been seen on the dance floor for a local charity event version of “Dancing with the Stars” and has participated in fashion shows, choirs, softball, and volleyball teams. Her energy level and spirit of giving are endless!
Her advice to others is to “Stay positive, realize that this too shall pass, continue doing what you’ve always done, and always see the cup as half full!”
Linda Rodenbarger is a five year breast cancer survivor proudly nominated by her friend, Jill Hunt.