From Grief to Purpose: How Alexa Bigwarfe Turns Heartbreak into Hope Through Writing, Publishing, and Advocacy
Alexa Bigwarfe’s story is one of resilience, love, and purpose born out of profound grief. In May 2011, Alexa was thrilled to learn she was expecting identical twin daughters. However, her joy was soon tempered by complications from Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a rare condition that affects identical twins sharing a placenta. As a result, her daughters were born approximately ten weeks premature.
Tragically, Kathryn, one of the twins, passed away two days later in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Her sister Charis remained in the NICU for 12 weeks before coming home healthy.
In the wake of Kathryn’s passing, Alexa turned to writing as a way to process her grief. This therapeutic outlet became a lifeline, enabling her to navigate the overwhelming emotions of loss while also connecting with other grieving mothers. The result was her book, Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother, a collaborative work that offers support and solace to grieving parents. Through this project, Alexa discovered a passion for writing and publishing, setting her on a new life path.
Determined to honor Kathryn’s memory, Alexa founded Kat Biggie Press, a publishing house named after her daughter. Kat Biggie Press focuses on publishing works that inspire, empower, and uplift, with a particular emphasis on women’s non-fiction, self-help, spiritual, and inspirational books. The press has become a platform for amplifying voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard, creating a ripple effect of healing and empowerment.
Alexa’s advocacy extends beyond publishing. She established a nonprofit organization, Sunshine After the Storm, which provides free care packages to grieving mothers. Over the past decade, this initiative has brought comfort and support to countless women navigating the difficult journey of child loss. Her commitment to helping others heal is further exemplified by her most recent publication, The Sisterhood of Healing Hearts: Permission to Thrive Journal. This six-month guided journal is specifically designed for grieving mothers, offering them a structured yet compassionate space to process their emotions and begin to rebuild their lives. Proceeds from her book sales fund her nonprofit’s initiatives, ensuring that the support she provides continues to reach those in need.
Each year on December 12th, Alexa observes “Kathryn Day,” an annual day of remembrance for her daughter. This deeply personal tradition allows Alexa to honor Kathryn’s brief but impactful life and to reflect on the ways her daughter’s legacy continues to shape her work and her community. For Alexa, Kathryn Day is more than a memorial; it’s a celebration of the strength, resilience, and purpose that emerged from her loss. By sharing Kathryn’s story with her community, Alexa underscores the transformative power of love and grief.
Beyond her work as an author and publisher, Alexa is a tireless advocate for women’s voices in the literary world. She is the founder of the Women in Publishing Summit, an annual event that brings together women writers, publishers, and industry professionals to learn, connect, and support one another. The summit is a testament to Alexa’s belief in the power of community and collaboration.
Alexa Bigwarfe’s journey from personal tragedy to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for others is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and growth. Through her writing, publishing endeavors, nonprofit work, and annual observance of Kathryn Day, Alexa has created a legacy of love and support that honors her daughter while transforming the lives of countless others. Her story reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it is possible to find purpose, healing, and a way to help others thrive.
Learn more about Kathryn and Alexa’s journey with this video.
