SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
WRITTEN BY KARA HARPER, HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
“I was born in the backseat of the car, 80 years ago…on Valentine’s Day.” If you have met Donna Kinney more than once, chances are you have heard her share this origin story. It's one of the first things she tells people, and it's clear it holds a deep significance for her. Curious, I asked, “Donna, why is this such an important part of your story?”
Her answer unfolded a tale of resilience and drama. Donna explained, on that Valentine’s Day, her mother did not have a phone. In a moment of urgency, she yelled out the window for help. A passerby ran to a nearby business to call Donna’s father who rushed home. But Donna was not about to wait for the hospital. On the way there, as her father slammed on the brakes, Donna made her grand entrance—both she and her mother landing on the floor of the car.
“People say, ‘I am so tired of hearing that,’” Donna laughed. “But do you know, 80 years ago, what a miracle that was? They did not have the technology they have now. We were just very lucky.”
Listening to her story, I could not help but reflect on how her very existence seems like a miracle. Donna agreed and shared even more remarkable stories from her life. She survived an assault and robbery 24 years ago and is a proud three-time cancer survivor.
“I have a shirt that says, ‘Live life. This is not a dress rehearsal.’ And it is not,” she told me.
For Donna, living life fully means embracing simple joys. “I get up every morning at 7 a.m. to feed the birds. I speak to my neighbors in the morning. I watch the sun come up. It’s a great way to start my day—a reminder that ‘I got another day.’”
Donna's warmth and sense of community were on full display at our October City Stops lunch where she arrived dressed as a cheerful bumblebee. She brought Halloween cards and treat bags for everyone, including one for me to bring home to my husband.
Our conversation meandered through topics like religion, marriage, women’s empowerment and even which side we like to part our hair on. But what stood out most was how talking to Donna felt like an invitation—to be curious, to be yourself and to live life fully.
Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY offers a wide range of health and wellness events and activities, both virtual and in-person, for older adults and seniors. They are designed to foster community, create connections and keep seniors engaged with their peers and their own wellbeing. View more about this program and check out upcoming engagement opportunities here!