From left: Judy Simpson, Ed Simpson, Greg Elliott, MD.
Judy and Ed Simpson are among the recipients of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association philanthropy awards. Judy Simpson founded the organization that became PHA in 1991, along with her sister Pat Paton, Teresa Knazik, Dorothy Olson, and the women’s husbands.
“The Simpsons have given generously of their time, talents and resources since the very start and remain committed to PHA to this day,” says Courtney Durham, director of individual giving, PHA.
PHA announced the award recipients at PHA 2024 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions. Another philanthropy award recognizes the late Vern and Barbara Smith, who have supported PHA since the early 2000s – most recently through a gift this year from Vern Smith’s estate. Barbara and her daughter Angela Smith-Kline had PH, and Barbara Smith volunteered for PHA for a decade. After Barbara Smith passed, Vern created PHA’s first endowed fund to provide scholarships for patients and caregivers to attend PHA conference and meetings.
New this year are PHA’s Kitchen Table Society awards. The Kitchen Table Society is a group of PHA’s most generous donors, and the awards recognize commitment from select individuals:
Monica Penaranda, Kitchen Table Society Event Award. This award recognizes Penaranda’s dedication to PHA’s Southern California O2breathe Walk for more than 10 years. The walk has raised significant funds for PHA programs.
Stephen Carter-Hicks, Kitchen Table Society Legacy of Hope Award. Carter-Hicks lends his voice and time to PHA whenever he can. He has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to PHA by including a legacy donation in his will. The foresight and generosity of Carter-Hicks and the rest of the Legacy of Hope members will ensure the continued success and sustainability of our mission for generations to come, Durham says.
Doug Taylor, Kitchen Table Society PHaithful PHriend Award. Taylor has maintained a monthly gift to PHA for more than 10 years and responds to nearly every campaign appeal. Taylor is one of PHA’s few “trifecta” donors, who belongs to all three PHA giving societies: Sustainers Circle, Kitchen Table Society and Legacy of Hope.
Ramona Doyle, Kitchen Table Society Health Care Provider Award. Doyle goes above and beyond in her support of the PH community through her philanthropy to PHA, Durham says. Doyle has been active with PHA for more than 20 years, has been a member of the Board of Trustees, and consistently donates to support PHA’s mission.
Mike Lentz, Kitchen Table Society Patient/Caregiver Award. Lentz shows ongoing commitment to PHA in memory of his wife Maureen. Lentz has been a significant donor and leader with PHA for seven years. He has contributed toward the GivingTuesday gift match for the past few years to encourage widespread generosity toward PHA during that key campaign.
Kelly Dickson, Kitchen Table Society Bright Start Award. Dickson launched the new O2breathe Walk in Anderson, South Carolina. “Dickson showed impressive initiative in launching the event in memory of Tina Lisenby, a local support group leader who passed away in February 2023,” Durham said.
