How Ladybug House Got Its Name
Some experiences leave a mark so deep they become the beginning of something bigger than we ever imagined.
— A Nurse's Night, A Life Remembered
The name Ladybug House was born out of love, loss, and the quiet, powerful legacy of two extraordinary young men—Hunter and Francisco—whose strength and compassion lit a path we're still following today.
My name is Suzanne Gwynn, a pediatric nurse who has spent decades caring for children, teens, and young adults facing serious illnesses—many undergoing bone marrow transplants and chemotherapy.
It was during one of those overnight shifts in December 2005 that I met Hunter Simpson Jr, an 18-year-old recent graduate from Bellevue High School. Though he'd been admitted before, this was our first time meeting.
Hunter was battling cancer, and despite his pain—nausea, vomiting, and a troublesome IV—he showed extraordinary calm and grace. His mother and I worked through the night to keep him comfortable. He never once complained. His quiet strength filled the room.
By the next morning, his condition had worsened. I left that shift with a heavy heart. Just a few hours later, on New Year's Eve, Hunter passed away.
— A Heart That Gave Until the End
Hunter wasn't only brave—he was deeply kind. He would spend his meal money on soup to save funds, then donate the remaining value to help homeless children in Seattle.
Even during his battle with brain cancer, he volunteered for homeless outreach in Seattle and charitable missions in Tijuana, Mexico.
When granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he re-gifted it to benefit New Horizons Ministries, supporting homeless youth.
He lived generously, and loved quietly but powerfully.
Hunter's Legacy Lives On
Today, Bellevue High School honors Hunter through the annual "Soup for Simpson" event—now in its 20th year. Students, alumni, and families come together each spring to sell soup and treats, raising funds for local homeless shelters, especially New Horizons for teens. This cherished tradition keeps Hunter's spirit of generosity alive, inspiring new generations to help those in need.
— A Bond Beyond Borders
Hunter Simpson Jr
18 years old
Bellevue High School Graduate
Francisco
17 years old
From Guatemala
Two extraordinary young men whose friendship transcended borders and whose legacy lives on
Hunter became close with Francisco, a 17-year-old battling osteosarcoma. Francisco had journeyed from a small village near Guatemala City, walking across Arizona at just 13½ years old to reach his family in Seattle.
He worked hard to send money home to his mother and nine siblings—taking odd jobs to support them.
By the time he sought treatment, his cancer had advanced. Even then, he brought joy to others. Despite the pain of treatment and paralysis from a spinal tumor, he never rated his pain above a 2 out of 10.
He was full of life, full of love—and asked only this:
"Why do bad things happen to good people? I donate to poor children on TV through Save the Children."
The Night the Ladybug Came
That night, after Hunter died, the hospital was quiet. Snow fell outside. As my coworkers and I prepared his body, a buzzing sound filled the room. We thought it was a fly—odd for winter—but it wasn't.
A ladybug circled above us and gently landed on Hunter's chest.
Tears filled our eyes.
Moments later, back in Francisco's room, I noticed a children's magazine on the floor. When I picked it up, the cover was adorned with a ladybug.
Months later, Francisco passed too. But the bond between the boys lived on. Hunter's family helped bring Francisco's father to Seattle to be with him before the end. Francisco's sister later named her son Hunter, in honor of their friendship.
— A Home Filled with Signs
Not long after, I visited Hunter's mother and told her I had a vision—to build a home for families like theirs. As I walked through her house, I was stunned. Ladybug figurines, pillows, and artwork were everywhere.
She smiled. After Hunter passed, she said, his room filled with ladybugs.
No one could explain how or why.
It was just… love.
Ladybug House Is a Promise
From that night on, the ladybug became a symbol—a message of peace, of presence, of the love that surrounds us even in loss.
Ladybug House was born in honor of two boys who gave everything they had to the world. It's a promise to children and families that they will be seen, supported, and surrounded by love—no matter what.
It's a house that doesn't exist yet in bricks and mortar, but lives in every act of compassion, every moment of care, and every ladybug that reminds us love never truly leaves.