Cathy Brady and the team at Kind Souls, Inc. (KSI) wanted to give back. A nonprofit organization with the goal of helping those going through a major medical event, Kind Souls is located in Carthage. Before forming the charity, Cathy and other members worked together to raise money for a national cancer endeavor.
Since starting Kind Souls in 2018, the group has raised money for a variety of medical-related causes, including $1,300 to buy a portable automated external defibrillator (AED) for the track teams at Union Pines High School after student Samantha Davis died after going into cardiac arrest at a Charlotte cross country meet. Additionally, they gave a college scholarship worth $1,000 to a Union Pines student with a brain tumor.
The president of Kind Souls, Cathy has firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to endure health hardships.
“I’ve had my share of dark storms and am eternally grateful for those who were a light for me when my light had almost gone out,” she says on the KSI’s website. “I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl whose journey on earth was just shy of 24 hours. I am also a five-year breast cancer survivor and understand that learning you have cancer changes life as you knew it. The loss of my mom was the darkest storm of my life. I understand what darkness is. I have a passion for helping others and want to make a difference and an impact on everyone around me and within my path.”
Other members of the KSI board are Samantha Myatt, Phyllis Thomas and Michelle Parks, who’s the organization’s designer. Samantha is the secretary, while Phyllis serves as treasurer.
“We have no paid members,” Cathy, who moved to Moore County as a child, said. “Everything we raise goes back into the community.”
A graduate of Pinecrest High School, Cathy has a clear grasp of what being involved with KSI means to her.
“The best part to me is making a difference,” she said. “Sharing hope and sharing love, letting people know there are people who care.”
Cathy, Samantha, Phyllis and Michelle meet regularly to determine where help is needed.
“We meet once a month,” Cathy, a data manager at Union Pines High for 18 years, said.
KSI is devoted to providing assistance, and the community appreciates it.
“It’s been wonderful,” Cathy, when asked about the reception KSI has gotten, said. “Everybody has thanked us.”
With that being said, Cathy and the board would like to raise awareness regarding the organization.
“Because we do a lot of work through the schools, a lot of people don’t know about us,” Cathy said.
Along with the aforementioned examples of lending a hand, KSI has provided meals for a family with a caregiver temporarily disabled, given money to help with travel to and from appointments, and hosted a Buddy Drive to support the emotional needs of local kids.
“We’ve held about 20 events,” Cathy said.
For more information on Kind Souls, please click here.
Feature photo: At a Pinecrest Breast Cancer Awareness game, the volleyball players and coaches surprise Kind Souls with a donation. Photo contributed.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
