FOUNDER & CREATOR

Cat Kozuch is the founder of Believe a Buddy, and her life story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and belief in the face of overwhelming adversity. Cat’s journey has inspired thousands and continues to shine through every Believe a Buddy bear.

In 2008, Cat survived a devastating dune buggy accident that broke her back in two places and left her initially paralyzed. After emergency surgery, doctors told her she would never walk again. But Cat refused to accept that future. She grabbed a marker and wrote an affirmation on her hospital whiteboard:
“Cat will walk out of here… duh!”

She repeated her affirmation daily. Weeks later, growing frustrated, she began shouting at her big toe: “BIG TOE MOVE!” And then, in a moment she describes as a miracle, her toe moved - just the tiniest bit, but enough to change everything. Through months of relentless physical therapy, that small movement became progress, and three months later, Cat walked out of the hospital, defying every prediction.

Where Believe a Buddy Began

During those three long months in the hospital, Cat’s father visited every time he returned from work trips, each time bringing her a new teddy bear. Soon, dozens of bears surrounded her whiteboard affirmations, creating a circle of comfort, strength, and childhood warmth during the hardest season of her life.

This blend of affirmations and teddy bear comfort stayed with Cat for years. Fourteen years after her accident, the idea for an affirmation teddy bear finally came to life, becoming Believe a Buddy.

Cat’s Purpose and Vision

Believe a Buddy was born from Cat’s desire to share her story of triumph and to help children facing challenges of their own. Her goal is to inspire confidence, courage, and emotional strength through positive affirmations and the comforting companionship of a teddy bear.

“Creating a children’s mindfulness toy is incredibly inspiring because it lets you connect with your inner child and bring joy and self-empowerment to children’s lives,” Cat explains. “Knowing that your creation can bring smiles to children’s faces and ignite their imagination to believe in themselves is truly fulfilling.”

Why Affirmations Matter

Cat is a strong believer in the power of words.
“I believe the two most powerful words in the world are ‘I AM,’ and the third most powerful word or sentence is whatever follows ‘I AM.’ Positive affirmations can help individuals achieve their goals, improve their mood, overcome negative self-talk, and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.”

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Believe a Buddy is more than a toy. It represents Cat’s full-circle moment. From a scared hospital patient surrounded by teddy bears to a creator committed to comforting children going through their own hard times. Today, she channels her story into a mission: to ensure children feel supported, encouraged, and confident, especially in a world shaped by social media where comparison, insecurity, and bullying often take root early.

Cat Kozuch’s journey from paralysis to walking again stands as a beacon of hope. Through Believe a Buddy, she continues to share her message of belief, resilience, and the reminder that with determination and a positive mindset, anything is possible.