Spencer Simmer is a bright, loving 5-year-old boy who has already faced more challenges in his short life than most of us will in a lifetime.

Born prematurely at 35 weeks, Spencer spent the first 10 days of his life in the NICU. Then finding it challenging to gain weight and having a lower-than-average growth they have queried a possible autoimmune disorder. Despite all this, he has grown into a vibrant, energetic child who loves building forts, riding his bike, going to the park, and cuddling up for movie nights. He’s smart, gentle, kind—and his smile lights up every room.

But on January 31st, 2025, at just 4 years old, Spencer suffered his first grand mal seizure. It lasted five terrifying minutes. Since then, he’s endured up to 3-5 seizures a week, lasting between 3 to 5 minutes each—many of them potentially continuous. He’s also experienced intense night terrors since he was just 18 months old, which emergency specialists now believe may have been early seizure activity.

More Than Just Seizures

The effects of epilepsy don’t stop when a seizure ends. Spencer is also facing dramatic changes in behavior and personality—side effects that linger long after the episodes themselves. These changes are confusing and distressing for a young child, and heartbreaking for a mother to witness.

In many cases, frequent seizures are associated with long-term neurological conditions, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges. Spencer's is still waiting to be assigned to care team to help them understand the full scope of what he's facing.

On top of all this, the medications Spencer is currently on—necessary to manage his seizures—come with significant side effects, including anger, aggression, and additional weight loss. For a child who is already underweight and vulnerable, these side effects only add to the urgency for better, more tailored care.

A Race Against Time

Getting a diagnosis and proper treatment has been painfully slow. There’s an 18-month wait for an MRI under sedation in the province. Pediatric neurologists are in short supply, with a 6-month wait just to be seen. In the meantime, Spencer’s seizures continue—and every day without answers could mean long-term effects on his development and quality of life.

About Gillian – A Devoted Single Mom

Spencer’s mom, Gillian, is a dedicated single mother who works full-time as a Registered Nurse. She is no stranger to caring for others—but now she is in a position no mother should ever have to face: working long hours to provide for her child while battling constant fear for his safety and wellbeing.

Gillian stays awake most nights to monitor Spencer as many of his seizures occur in his sleep. Then, she gets up and goes to work—physically and emotionally exhausted, but determined to give her son the best life possible.

The weight of the situation is crushing. As a single parent, Gillian doesn’t have the luxury of splitting responsibilities or taking extended time off without consequences. She has no backup. She is his everything.

How You Can Help

Gillian has been advised to take time off work to focus on advocating for Spencer and getting him the care he urgently needs. But taking that time means lost income—and the costs are stacking up fast.

Your donation will help cover:

• Second opinions and out-of-province care

• Travel and accommodations

• Ambulance bills, medications, and other medical costs for further testing

We are also hoping for metabolic testing, which could take three months or longer—and every week that passes without answers is another week of seizures, stress, and uncertainty. She is exhausted. She is heartbroken. And she needs our help.

No parent should ever have to watch their child suffer—let alone feel helpless in the process.

Your kindness can help Gillian fight for her son’s health and his future.

If you’re in a position to give, even a small amount, please consider donating. And if you can’t donate, please share this page. Your support means everything.

Together, we can give Spencer the chance to live the full, adventurous life he deserves.

❤️ Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

Gillian and Spencer