Women of Joy
#Joyous: Helping families and women find a way through postpartum depression is the mission of Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health. On Thursday, more than 100 supporters attended the soldout Women of Joy luncheon at West Penn Hospital’s Wintergarden.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out today because this center is one of very few in the country that support women and their families,” said Steven D’Achille, president of the Alexis Joy D’Achille Foundation. “We hope we will be a model for other centers across the country,” he added. Mr. D’Achille lost his late wife Alexis Joy to severe postpartum depression. His 5-year-old daughter, Adrianna, was with him during the fundraising event.
Guests enjoyed a buffet lunch before heading into the auditorium for a program with guest speaker Dr. Sarah Homitsky, medical director of the Women’s Behavioral Health Department of Psychiatry, Allegheny Health Network. Chelsea Thomas was honored with this year’s Women of Joy Award. She chatted with last year’s honoree Kim Holmberg (wife of Highmark CEO David) as well as West Penn Hospital’s CEO Ron Andro. Dr. Paul Weinbaum gave a father’s perspective as he talked about what his daughter experienced after becoming a mother. A hard-hat tour of the new facility was offered afterward.
Supporters included directors of nursing operations at the hospital Lisa Graper and Beth Konick, chief medical officer Dr. Brian Johnson, chief nursing officer at West Penn Jackie Collavo and chief nursing executive of Allegheny Health Networks Claire Zangerle, Shelly Onorato, Lemeiux Foundation’s Nancy Angus, Dr. Marta Kolthoff and Allie Quick.