MEET THE FOUNDER
Suzanne Gwynn, R.N. - A dedicated
advocate for pediatric palliative care
Founder
Suzanne Gwynn, R.N.
Suzanne Gwynn’s nursing career spans more than 35 years, two countries, and countless moments of care and courage. She has worked in high-risk labor and delivery, adult chemotherapy infusion clinics, and adolescent care at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital—across all illnesses and diagnoses.
But her heart found its home in pediatric hematology/oncology, bone marrow transplant, and end-of-life support. She often worked two jobs—one full-time night shift, the other on her so-called “days off”—while raising her children as a single mother.
"I recognized that families needed pediatric palliative care beyond hospital walls. My vision is to create a home-away-from-home where families receive physical, emotional, and spiritual support during their most challenging times."
— Suzanne Gwynn
These experiences deepened her understanding of exhaustion, grief, and the kind of support families truly need when caring for a seriously ill child. “I got here through hard work, long hours, and a whole lot of roadblocks. It hasn’t always been perfect—but it’s always been about commitment.” In 2013, Suzanne made a bold decision. Tired of waiting for someone else to create what families so clearly needed, she took the first step.
She began building Ladybug House from the ground up—learning fundraising, nonprofit management, advocacy, and storytelling as she went. Today, she remains the driving force behind Ladybug House, working to build the first pediatric respite home in Washington and throughout the WAMI region—where families can find short-term relief, a compassionate community, and a soft place to land.