Inspiring Women SUMMER 2020

do for those not so quick to get those payments made
once an order was placed or donation pledged!
What has surprised you most about life dealing with
COVID-19? I’m not sure surprised is the right word but it
has certainly highlighted the fragility of life and time.
For FAWCO and the Foundation, it is another example
of the resilience, resourcefulness and generosity of this
group. Financially, we are going to come out of this in
pretty decent shape and we’ve all found and used
talents we didn’t even know we had to get there.
What is the most important thing you have discovered
or learned about yourself, and others through your
COVID-19 work? I am an eternal optimist. There are
many that are not. I respect most of society's willingness
to do the right thing to protect themselves and others
With Jeff in Luxor, Egypt 2015
particularly under such drastic and immediate
measures. I love to follow the good news stories about
people helping others and the respect and kindness shown to frontliners. I am amazed by the
creativity of entertainers and others to share their gifts and talents from their homes in the hopes
of brightening the spirits of others. In an American environment of such divisiveness, it has been
heart-warming to see the coming together of so many.
What did you do to keep on top of your own stress and mental health during this COVID-19 work?
I stay away from the negative news and follow the virus news in very small doses. I try to get
outside and stay active every day. I listen to music, meditate and have had several videoconference
extended family meetups. I still spend at least a day a week with my grandson. It’s a
needed break for him, his mom and me. While the Foundation work has been a lot, it has also
been a very welcome distraction. I would actually be pretty happy finding a wee bit of boredom
right now.
What 3 things are you looking forward to doing once the pandemic subsides? Reconnecting with
friends, going to the grocery store without anxiety, and travelling. In the profound lyrics of One
Republic, “I know that there’ll be better days!”
IN CONVERSATION WITH KATHY
Tell us something about yourself that not many
people may know. I love the theater, I’ve seen
shows in NYC, London, Vienna and Chicago.
I’m absolutely obsessed with Hamilton and
have seen it three times now.
What’s the most impactful “no” you’ve said
recently? The hardest “no” is usually to my
5-year-old grandson.
Who is the first, non-family, person you want to
see in person when the lockdown ends? Jeff
McLaughlin, who is my hairstylist and
uncertified life coach.
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With Landon at Disneyworld in 2018