Meet Cathy Brooksie Edwards Tami Schwerin of Pittsboro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Brooksie Edwards Tami Schwerin

Hi Cathy Brooksie Edwards, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016, our friend and neighbor Chris Lucash developed ALS (Staring Down Fate documentary) and the community circled the wagons to help him, his wife and their 3 young children. We brought death literacy to the community by bringing the Die Wise author, Stephen Jenkinson to speak to our small town.

Whispered in our ear was the idea of creating a “Death Faire” to continue the awareness and open dialogue around death, loss and grief.

A few months later, Tami lost her eldest son, 19 year old Zafer to the opioid epidemic. The community stepped forward to hold up the family during this tragedy. 6 weeks later, Chris, died. We buried them both on family land that was then formed into a 501(c)3 green burial graveyard. The first Death Faire was in November of 2016 and Brooksie founded www.heart2heartnc.com as a non-profit to support people and families in conscious dying (2018).

November 2, 2025, we are celebrating our 10th Annual Death Faire in Pittsboro (www.theplantnc.com) which has helped thousands of folks who have come to the event. heart2heartnc provides many community programs and fosters hope and healing in a world of uncertainty. Sanctuary at the Burrow (www.sanctuaryattheburrow.com) has 12 people buried in the tranquil pine forest of Chatham County.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path of change is never smooth. Because of the profound grief and loss, there were extreme struggles and it was also a sacred time.

When deep grief and loss occur, relationships change. We saw that our culture is not very equipped to handle death, vulnerability and loss. When trauma happens, old wounds rise to the surface.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Brooksie and Tami focus on healing of ourselves, our communities and creating healing events We create events and programs that inspire people to live their best life!
We do this by providing opportunities for vulnerability, joy, laughter, tears, healing, growth and learning.

Tami is known for her entrepreneural grassroots organizations. Her unlimited energy and the abundant belief in the planet, the people and the possibilities.

Brooksie is known for her deep healing energy as a therapist and body worker that transforms people and communities. Brooksie follows the orientation that deep stillness, unconditional love, non-judgment, and kindness hold a holy healing space.

Both Tami and Brooksie love to push the envelope of conventional thinking. If not now, when?

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Crisis equals evolution. Community is always key and even the polarized will help each other.

Pricing:

• Sliding Scale is always accepted
• We are grateful for the generosity of donations to help those in need.
• No one turned away for lack of funds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heart2heartnc.com/, https://www.sanctuaryattheburrow.com/ and https://www.theplantnc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heart2heartnorthcarolina/ and https://www.instagram.com/theplantnc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heart2heartnc and https://www.facebook.com/ThePlantInPittsboro/