Kathleen Michaels Gronborg’s goal was not to become a technical recruiter for Children’s Hospital and Health Center. She already had a fulfilling career as a critical care nurse when she was forced to change directions.

Her own battle with breast cancer took her from the floors of the hospital and into an administrative position. Now as a member of the Human Resources Team, she partners with managers to identify and hire top employees, including nurses. The job requires her to develop strategies for attracting experienced personnel.

As a cancer patient, she has adopted for her motto: “Living Life: if you’re not fighting for your life, what are you doing?”

In 1998, one year after teams were implemented at Children’s Hospital and Health Center and the same year she was diagnosed, Gronborg received a Team Leader award, one of only two that were given that year, for her excellent leadership in a new role.

In 2000, Gronborg was chosen as one of five Employee of Excellence winners from a list of 92 employees who were nominated by their peers. But perhaps the greatest moment came for Gronborg in September last year when she married her longtime boyfriend, Tor.

Gronborg inspires employees around her serving as a role model for hard work, commitment, goodwill, and an all-around “beautiful spirit,” reads her peer-written nomination for the Forty Under 40 distinction.

Although she is highly regarded in the work place, Gronborg is happiest spending time with her family in her new home in North Park.

Kathleen Gronborg, left, gets together with friends.

— Alexis Pasqua