This nonprofit was created and inspired by the brightest and strongest little girl, Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn was diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition (essentially a terminal "incurable disease") around 5 months of age impacting her vision, ability to walk, talk, and eat/drink by mouth. However, this disease never took away her ability to fight with an undeniable strength, spread endless smiles, and inspire everyone in her path.
Gwendolyn's Gifts mission is to provide EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN ON PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE CARE IN SAINT LOUIS AND SURROUNDING AREAS.
Currently, Gwendolyn's Gifts provides support to families at: St. Louis Children's Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, and Wings Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care Program. Support is provided by: Delivering Smile Bags, Providing families with Hospice Bags when a child is admitted to hospice care, Fulfilling small special requests for families with children on hospice care, Financial assistance for necessary household bills (rent/mortgage assistance, utility bill assistance, providing gas/grocery cards, providing household needs (ie- refrigerators, phones, beds, mattresses, laundry detergent, etc)), and Providing families with up to $5,000 in funeral assistance as they walk the unimaginable.
To date, Gwendolyn's Gifts has assisted approximately 1500 families since 2018 and has donated over $450,000. Gwendolyn's Gifts is run by Gwen's parents, Mark and Erin. Their passion for this charity is fueled by their personal experience of caring for a child with a terminal illness.
The cute and adorable CEO, Gwendolyn, proved to be our true superhero as she courageously fought and defied countless odds for 8 years. On May 12, 2023; Gwendolyn Marie Kramer (age 8) peacefully passed away at home in the arms of her mother and father. While she is no longer physically the face of the charity, her legacy will forever live in the hearts of the superheroes who continue to fight for their tomorrow.