OUR STORY
In honour of our brave, shining girl, we have established The Gwen Effect.
Gwendolyn was born prematurely on December 23, 2019, at only 28 weeks and 5 days. She weighed just 2 lbs 10 oz. In total, we spent 174 days in the hospital between Kingston General Hospital and SickKids in Toronto.
During Gwendolyn’s time in the hospital, she faced more than any child ever should. She was born with a TEF (Tracheoesophageal fistula), a condition that meant she was unable to swallow. Gwendolyn underwent four life-saving surgeries to repair her windpipe and esophagus.
She developed a Grade 3/4 brain bleed and NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), a serious condition involving the death of intestinal tissue—not once, but twice. She received nine blood transfusions (thank you to every blood donor), countless bedside procedures, MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, and PICC lines.
And yet, through it all, Gwen continued to show us what strength, courage, and determination truly look like.
On June 11, 2022, Gwen was finally discharged home.
Life at home with Gwen became some of my most favourite days. I was always so grateful for every moment because we had never been promised that she would leave the hospital. Every day with her felt like a gift.
In the short time she was here, Gwen learned to walk and talk. She learned how to eat by mouth and eventually weaned off her G-tube. She thrived.
She loved her pups, howling at the moon, dancing to Whitney Houston, a good rock in her rocking chair—and, of course, Cheezies. All the Cheezies.
Gwen had the biggest heart and loved everyone around her. She had a way of making people feel seen, loved, and accepted. Her passion for life, both in and out of the hospital, showed us and so many others just how precious our time here truly is.
Her strength, bravery, and compassion for others opened the eyes and hearts of people around the world.
Gwendolyn unexpectedly passed away on April 5, 2022, at just 28 months young.
Although her time here was far too short, the impact she made was anything but.
Why the Sunflower?
For us, the sunflower symbolizes Gwen.
It represents the beauty and brightness she brought into our lives. The strength of its stem reminds us of her incredible resilience. Its ability to continue growing and thriving through dark days reflects the way Gwen fought through so much and continued to find joy. And just like Gwen, sunflowers bring happiness and light to those around them.
Sunflowers have a short life span, but they bloom beautifully, boldly, and with purpose. They stand tall and shine brightly, leaving an impression on everyone who sees them.
Gwen’s life may have been short, but it was beautiful, meaningful, and full of love.
She taught us that life isn’t measured by the number of years we have, but by the love we give, the lives we touch, and the light we leave behind.
That is The Gwen Effect.
To live bravely.
To love deeply.
To find light, even on the darkest days.
To cherish every moment.
And to leave this world a little brighter because we were here.
This is our Gwendolyn.
THIS IS A GREAT PLACE FOR YOUR TAGLINE.
About Us
KEY PEOPLE
Turning pain into purpose
TAMARA SPEARING
Founder & Certified Grief Coach
Once a medical mama now bereaved mother, grief coach, born advocate, and firm believer that life after loss can still hold meaning, joy, and purpose.
My journey began with becoming a new mom to my beautiful, medically complex preemie daughter, Gwen. After losing her, I found myself very angry and stuck in my grief.. Tired of hitting rock bottoms basement I learned to surrender to my grief by taking the climb through it—not around it. Through life coaching, self-discovery, and embracing the little joys life still had to offer, I began finding happiness again while carrying my grief with me.
In 2022, I created The Gwen Effect in honour of my late daughter—a reminder that one life can create ripples of love, kindness, advocacy, and change long after it is gone.
I’m a born advocate with a big heart, a lover of nature, and someone who believes barefoot is always better. I find joy in the little things, believe growing old is a privilege, and try to make every single day count.
Because grief and life can coexist—and there is still so much life left to live.