About Wyland
Like our friend Pierce, Wyland Thomas Gomes was tragically murdered by his father.
He was the firstborn grandchild and was immediately the star of the entire family. As Wyland grew, it became apparent that he was an old soul. He could participate easily in conversations with adults and had a quick wit and a brilliant sense of humor. Most often, he would wait until just the right moment to crack a joke that would fill a room.
Wyland was the light of his mother's eyes. Christy wanted him to have the best life she could provide, and made sure that he had experiences he would always remember. He loved playing video games, hanging out with friends, and spending time with the adults who loved him most. Wyland had an infectious smile, a sharp mind, understood the value of money, and was destined to do great things. His potential was limitless.
It is a tragedy that his life was selfishly stolen from him on March 2, 2020. We will forever mourn the loss of our little buddy and the kid who always knew how to put a smile on our faces.
Christy loved to take Wyland for weekend getaways on the coastline of California. They would play on the beach, explore the tide pools, roast marshmallows around the campfire, but most importantly, spend quality time together. She is broken hearted without the biggest piece of her heart.
After Wyland’s murder, she knew she wanted to keep Wyland’s memory alive through advocacy, she just wasn’t sure how.
Eventually, Christy was grateful to find a friend in Lesley, and honored when asked to join the team at Pierce’s Pledge in 2024. As Director of Operations, Christy is able to fulfill her dream of advocating for children, in memory of Wyland and Pierce.
“After my son’s tragic death, I had two choices. I could crawl into the corner and spend each day there, slowly dying. Or, I could choose to make Wyland’s life a legacy.
In a conversation with Lesley in February 2022, she said ‘you should write a book.’ I laughed and said there was one problem… I hated to write. The very next day, the title came to me. The title was shocking and disturbing, but I KNEW the title of my book had to be. What happened to Pierce and Wyland IS SHOCKING AND DISTURBING. Only a book title like this would catch the attention of readers, bring light to our stories, define filicide, and keep Wyland’s memory alive. Would you pick up a book that was titled “Memories of Wyland”?
The decision to expose details of my life was difficult to make, but if just one child can be saved, it will be worth it.” - Christy Camara
Wyland’s Annual Birthday Celebration
Wyland was born August 26, 2009. He was tragically taken at the age of 10.
Remembering Wyland is so important to his mom, his family, and his friends of Hanford. He only celebrated 10 birthdays, but now the community continues to celebrate Wyland each year.
In honor of Wyland, children can enjoy FREE train rides, pony rides, carousel rides and snow cones! To celebrate his birthday, his family, along with the sponsors, are giving the community the opportunity to enjoy a fun evening out with the kids. Live music too!
This event takes place each August, in Wyland’s hometown of Hanford, California.
For more details, visit wylandsmom.com.
Wyland’s Birthday Celebration 2024