Penny Simkin

We hope you'll be able to join us tomorrow for our Celebration of Penny's life at Bastyr University from 1:00 to 3:00, with reception to follow. If you can't join us in person, here is a link to the livestream.

https://www.youtube.com/live/3DoMwRe71Qs

In the meantime, don't forget to check out the Penny Simkin Goddess Auction at https://givebutter.com/c/bmQ2nB .

Here is today's featured item. A beautiful painting that graced Penny's dining room for decades.

This beautiful, numbered print, "Keeping Tradition" by Coast Salish artist Susan Pointe hung in Penny's dining room in Seattle for three decades. That room, around the oak dining room table Penny grew up with, was the site of countless family gatherings, refreshment breaks from homebirth classes, meetings and brainstorming sessions with co-authors, mentors, proteges, doulas, childbirth educators, and other thinkers in the field.

Celebrating Penny Simkin
Her Life, Her Work, and the Future of her Vision for Birthing Care

We invite you to honor and celebrate the remarkable life and pioneering spirit of Penny Simkin, a trailblazer in maternal-child health and respectful maternity care globally.

Date and Time:
September 7th, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)

Location:
•In-Person*: Bastyr University Chapel, Kenmore, WA
*After the celebration, please join us on the patio for an opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues, accompanied by light refreshments.
•Live Stream: Online access available.

RSVP Information:
*If you plan to attend In-Person, please RSVP here. https://bastyr.catalog.instructure.com/browse/simkin-center/penny-celebration/courses/simkin-center-penny-simkin-celebration-of-life-september-7
*If you plan to attend via Live Stream, please RSVP here.
https://bastyr.catalog.instructure.com/browse/simkin-center/penny-celebration/courses/simkin-center-penny-simkin-celebration-of-life---september-7th-live-stream
*If you have already RSVP'd, there's no need to RSVP again.

Registered In-Person attendees will receive detailed logistical information, including directions and campus access, a few days before the event.

Registered Live Stream attendees will be provided with a link to the live stream a few days before the event.

The celebration will be recorded and made available on both the Simkin Center and Penny Simkin's websites.

Confirmed Speakers for Penny Simkin's Celebration of Life:
•Dr. Devin Byrd, President, Bastyr University
•Kathy McGrath, MSW, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT (DONA). Former DONA Mentor and Penny's BFF
•Mary Simkin-Maass
•Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG: Physician, Scientist & Entrepreneur, Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic, Visiting Scientist at Harvard Medical School.
•Melissa Cheyney, Ph.D., CPM, LDM: Professor of Clinical Medical Anthropology, Oregon State University, Community Midwife, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, and co-author with Penny -The Birth Partner, 6th edition-due for release, October 2024
•Venus Standard, MS, CNM, APRN, FACNM, LCCE, CD (DONA): Certified Nurse Midwife and Director of Health Equity Education and Community Engagement for the Department of Family Medicine at UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
•and Music/Performances: Penny's daughters will perform several musical performances including "DONA Nobis Pacem".

About Penny Simkin: Penny was a pioneer in the maternal health and doula movement, who passed away on April 11. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and empowerment. As an advocate, mentor, and beloved member of our community, Penny touched countless lives. This celebration is an opportunity for us to come together, share cherished memories, reflect on her lasting contributions, and honor her incredible journey.

We look forward to coming together in remembrance and celebration.

Penny's family is working with the Simkin Center and her wonderful friends and colleagues to plan this tribute to Penny and rallying cry for the path forward in maternal health. Please join us!

~Save the Date~
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Penny Simkin-A Celebration of Life

Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and pioneering spirit of Penny Simkin, a trailblazer in maternal-child health and respectful maternity care globally.

Date and Time:
September 7th, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)
Following the memorial, please join us for a community gathering.

Location:
In-Person: Bastyr University Chapel, Kenmore, WA
Planning to attend in person? Please RSVP by clicking here:
https://bastyr.catalog.instructure.com/browse/simkin-center/penny-celebration/courses/simkin-center-penny-simkin-celebration-of-life-september-7

Live Stream:
Planning to attend via Live Stream? Please RSVP by clicking here:
https://bastyr.catalog.instructure.com/browse/simkin-center/penny-celebration/courses/simkin-center-penny-simkin-celebration-of-life---september-7th-live-stream

More information will follow!
In the meantime, please let us know if you plan to attend in person or via live stream so we can get an accurate head count.

About Penny Simkin:
Penny, a pioneer in the maternal health and doula movement, passed away April 11, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and empowerment. She was not only an advocate and mentor but also a beloved member of our community. This celebration of her life is an opportunity for us to come together, share cherished memories, reflect on her lasting contributions, and more.

Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to celebrating Penny's life with you on September 7th.