Gala Honors Late Perinatologist, Supports His Life's Mission

ANNAPOLIS, MD — When renowned perinatologist Dr. William Sweeney passed away, Anne Arundel Medical Center where he practiced was never the same. Sweeney dedicated his life to helping women navigate difficult pregnancies and led the first freestanding perinatal palliative care program called SilverLeaf Counseling Services. His absence left a hole in the lives of the people he helped.

Now, to honor Sweeney and help support his life mission, the Bill Sweeney Perinatal Care Fund will host its first annual Perinatal Loss Gala Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. It is the mission of the Bill Sweeney Perinatal Care Fund to ensure that the beloved doctor's support not only continues, but also grows and improves even though he sadly won't be present to see it.

The Bill Sweeney Perinatal Care Fund is designed to provide access to perinatal palliative care, one-on-one and family counseling, support groups and follow-up support to those in need, regardless of the ability to pay.

"It was in the toughest cases, the ones where there are often no answers or explanations as to why, that he felt the resources available to the bereaved were just too few,” saidMary Sweeney, Bill’s wife, in a statement.

The Bill Sweeney Perinatal Care Fund also will provide specialized bereavement training to the heath care community in local hospitals, doctors’ offices and clinics, to assist those who care for these special babies and their parents. Currently, there is no mandated bereavement training for health care staff, leaving many providers feeling uncomfortable and/or unequipped to provide the quality of care needed for the families. The Bill Sweeney Perinatal Care Fund will encourage certification for health care providers who work with this population.

All proceeds from this gala will go directly to The Bill Sweeney Perinatal Care Fund to provide these services and education to the local community.

Tucker Thompson will emcee the event, which will include dinner, live auctions, silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, special performances, dancing and more. To purchase tickets, make a donation or be listed as a sponsor, please visit www.billsweeneycharity.org.