Submitted by Connie & Pat Toops
We lived on Horn Island, a wilderness barrier island that was part of Gulf Islands National Seashore while Carl Christensen served as chief ranger there.
We have fond memories of Carl, Sue, and Pia coming occasionally to visit us, and they also graciously hosted us when we were in Pensacola. Pia was always a delightful child — curious, courteous, and fun-loving. This photo captures her delight at being able to explore the wonders of nature in this lovely park. (1979)
Submitted by AHCJ: Courtesy of the Christensen family
Submitted by AHCJ: Courtesy of the Christensen family
Submitted by AHCJ: Courtesy of the Christensen family
The first time I met Pia was shortly after she joined AHCJ, at our conference in LA. She was so enthusiastic about the new role, so smart and so warm and easy to talk to. And her enthusiasm only grew as time went on.
I loved hearing about Ernie too!
I loved hearing about Ernie too!
Kristen Hallam
from Charlottesville wrote on May 24, 2021 at 10:12 am
Pia thought it was hilarious that I grew up in Brooklyn, rode horses, owned an Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt, and was familiar with finer points of hoof-picking. It amazed me that she remembered these details throughout the years of our friendship, which began just after the 2006 AHCJ conference in Houston. She was relatively new to the AHCJ team but still managed to exude confidence, never failing to reassure even the most unsteady foals of our worthiness to belong. Her kindness and intellect – and that grin! – were always on display and she did more than her job required. Always above and beyond, and always with a smile. Pia was a special person, not only because she herself had an outsized capacity for compassion, but because she made you feel special, just the way she remembered the little details. It’s why she will be sorely missed by all the creatures who were lucky enough to be in her life. Peace, Pia. ♥️
Sibyl Wilmont
from Pittsboro, NC wrote on May 10, 2021 at 10:17 am
I will remember Pia for her devotion to her beautiful horse, Ernie and to her wonderful family and friends. There was also her love of journalism. She was a calm and discerning editor for us topic leaders and a delight to visit with in person during our annual conferences. It is hard to believe she is gone.
Mary Otto
from Washington, DC wrote on May 11, 2021 at 7:17 pm
I loved the way that Pia was so inclusive, spreading around the attention to and highlighting the work of so many different members.
She also really *got* what we needed: when asking people to write a “how I did that,” she always made sure that the freelancers who did those got paid; she made sure we got a mental break at conferences (I’m remembering the miniature burro in Phoenix), and was unfailingly patient when we asked to be directed, yet again, to that one remote conference room.
I ran into Pia in the bar late one evening at the Phoenix conference. We had a drink together and I was able to just spend some time, talking about non-journalism stuff. I heard about horses and her family and just shot the breeze for an hour or so. She was so easy to connect with. That open personality was part of how she always made us feel connected to the organization, helping me feel that AHCJ is not just a faceless entity, but consists of staff who really are interested in how we’re all doing.
She’ll be so missed.
She also really *got* what we needed: when asking people to write a “how I did that,” she always made sure that the freelancers who did those got paid; she made sure we got a mental break at conferences (I’m remembering the miniature burro in Phoenix), and was unfailingly patient when we asked to be directed, yet again, to that one remote conference room.
I ran into Pia in the bar late one evening at the Phoenix conference. We had a drink together and I was able to just spend some time, talking about non-journalism stuff. I heard about horses and her family and just shot the breeze for an hour or so. She was so easy to connect with. That open personality was part of how she always made us feel connected to the organization, helping me feel that AHCJ is not just a faceless entity, but consists of staff who really are interested in how we’re all doing.
She’ll be so missed.
Rose Hoban
from Chapel Hill, NC wrote on May 9, 2021 at 8:23 pm
Pia was always a breath of fresh air, always willing to help newbies navigate AHCJ and such a kind and beautiful spark of light. She will be deeply missed.
Rhiannon Collette
from Houston wrote on May 7, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Looking over the dozens of emails Pia and I exchanged over the years, I am struck by her swift attention to the countless niggling details that make the AHCJ’s website an incomparable resource. But those messages don’t capture the heart of her personality — her openness and curiosity about others. She was cherished friend and colleague whom I will greatly miss.
Mary Chris Jaklevic
from Chicago wrote on May 6, 2021 at 5:32 pm
Navigating the conference for the first time each year, searching for the registration desk, coming around a hallway corner or down an escalator, when suddenly, like a lighthouse beam Pia’s smile and exuberance came into view.
We were welcomed.
I will remember and cherish Pia’s warmth.
P.S. She was damned good at her job.
We were welcomed.
I will remember and cherish Pia’s warmth.
P.S. She was damned good at her job.
Andrew Holtz
from Portland, OR wrote on May 6, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Pia was among the first to welcome me to AHCJ and introduce me to many members who have since become friends. I couldn’t have been successful as the aging topic editor without her unwavering support, expert guidance and common sense. She was not just a colleague and managing editor, she was also a friend, who delighted in hearing about my grandkids and sharing her adventures with Ernie. I’ll miss her ready smile, calm leadership, and a hundred other things that made Pia Pia. Deepest condolences to her family, and to Tim.
Liz Seegert
from Hopewell Junction, NY wrote on May 6, 2021 at 12:05 pm
I was fortunate to have Pia as my editor when I was medical studies topic leader for AHCJ. She was unfailingly kind and encouraging and let many a deadline slip a few days so I could juggle freelance projects.
I loved running into her at AHCJ’s annual conferences. I knew we were in good hands when I would see her filming sessions or staffing the registration desk. Pia was one of those rare people who is quietly excellent and extraordinarily dependable. Health journalism has suffered a big loss.
When she was first diagnosed last year, she told me that things had never been better in her life. She was living near family, had a tribe of great friends, a dependable trail horse, and a wonderful boyfriend. She faced her cancer diagnosis with optimism and hope for holding on to that life.
I’m thinking of her friends and family as they mourn her passing. May happy memories of her and her love for you bring comfort.
I loved running into her at AHCJ’s annual conferences. I knew we were in good hands when I would see her filming sessions or staffing the registration desk. Pia was one of those rare people who is quietly excellent and extraordinarily dependable. Health journalism has suffered a big loss.
When she was first diagnosed last year, she told me that things had never been better in her life. She was living near family, had a tribe of great friends, a dependable trail horse, and a wonderful boyfriend. She faced her cancer diagnosis with optimism and hope for holding on to that life.
I’m thinking of her friends and family as they mourn her passing. May happy memories of her and her love for you bring comfort.
Brenda Goodman
from Atlanta, GA wrote on May 6, 2021 at 11:41 am
Pia welcomed me to my first health journalism conference, around 2010. She was warm and funny and smart and helpful. After her diagnosis, we reconnected in a more personal way. I admired her outlook, and will always remember her fondly.
My thoughts go out to Pia’s loved ones and family.
My thoughts go out to Pia’s loved ones and family.
Elaine Schattner
from New York wrote on May 6, 2021 at 10:34 am
My memories of Pia all sort of jumble together — all happy, except the sadness in the past few months as she shared the ups and downs of her illness, and now this grief at her loss. I don’t even remember the precise moment I met Pia but i’m grateful for 15 years or so of laughter, ideas, friendship, collaboration, respect and oh those smiles, those big Pia smiles. I had so hoped for a happier ending for Pia, Tim, Ernie and the parents who were always at her side.
Joanne Kenen
from Bethesda, MD wrote on May 6, 2021 at 8:53 am
The last time I saw Pia we enjoyed breakfast together at a conference in 2019. I was surprised to find her taking the time to eat, much less chat, because she was always working, taking photos, checking in on sessions, writing blog posts. We talked about aging parents, and her wonderful boyfriend Tim. And, Ernie of course. Pia was so devoted to AHCJ. It’s hard to imagine the organization without her, but she has certainly left her mark.
Rest in peace, Pia. You are missed, and will always be remembered.
Rest in peace, Pia. You are missed, and will always be remembered.
Jeanne Erdmann
from Wentzville, MO wrote on May 6, 2021 at 7:37 am
Pia was such a welcome face to see at the annual conferences. Her love of animals, her passion for health journalism and her warm personality were so wonderful to experience. She will be greatly missed by the journalism community.
Eileen Beal
from Cleveland Heights, OH wrote on May 5, 2021 at 6:23 pm
Gosh, I have so many wonderful memories of Pia. Pia was an unabashed champion of health journalism. From the moment she joined the AHCJ staff, she dedicated herself to finding and promoting great health journalism, cultivating relationships with health journalists and building up our repository of resources. She recruited and edited topic champions. She corralled board members, conference fellows and students to write blog posts at conferences. She regaled us with stories about Ernie. She was seemingly everywhere at our conferences, and could always be found smiling. We are better for knowing Pia. It is such a loss that she died at such a young age. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to her family, her work colleagues and friends.
Charlie Ornstein
from New York wrote on May 5, 2021 at 5:05 pm
Sending love and condolences to the family. Pia was such a warm person, who always made an effort to make others feel welcome. Her presence will be truly missed.
Sabriya Rice
wrote on May 5, 2021 at 4:28 pm
When I first joined the AHCJ board in 2014 and started editing the newsletter it was Pia who was my main helper. She was a delight to work with for several years in growing the newsletter and coordinating stories. She made it easy. Pia was always one of the friendly faces who arrived early ahead of every conference to set things up and help make sure things were running well. We had our South Florida experiences to talk about but usually could always find something to laugh about during those hectic meetings. I always enjoyed reconnecting with her each year at the annual conference be in Philly, Denver, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, ect. I will miss her.
Phil Galewitz
from Washington DC wrote on May 5, 2021 at 3:40 pm
I’ll remember Pia with fondness and appreciation for her extraordinary abilities, her easy smile and her commitment to AHCJ. She was cool under pressure and her impact on AHCJ, and health journalism overall, is considerable.
John Novack
wrote on May 5, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Both of us being from rural areas, it seemed natural that whenever I called Pia she was interested in what I was covering. She got a kick out of learning I was reporting on cattle markets. She was very generous with her time in getting me registered and aiding me with entering contests.
Above all, she was just a really kind person. My condolences are with her family.
Above all, she was just a really kind person. My condolences are with her family.
Larry Dreiling
from Hays, Kansas wrote on May 5, 2021 at 3:02 pm
There are so many memories. Pia really was the warm, welcoming heart of AHCJ. She set me at ease at my first conference. Then I remember having a long conversation with her in the halls of another conference–just about how much I loved AHCJ. We followed each other on Facebook, so I got to see her rehabilitation of Ernie as it evolved. Her gentle care and teasing posts about a sometimes-recalcitrant horse just confirmed for me that Pia was (and will always be) good people. I hope she can rest gently and I send love to everyone more directly impacted by this loss.
Heather Boerner
from Pittsburgh, PA wrote on May 5, 2021 at 3:01 pm
Shocked and saddened to hear this news. Condolences to all those close to her. A big loss for the world of health journalism.
Theresa Boyle
from Toronto wrote on May 5, 2021 at 2:45 pm
My condolences to the family. Pia had a wonderful smile and a warm personality. She did so much for AHCJ and she will be greatly missed.
Marlene Harris-Taylor
Marlene Harris-Taylor
Marlene Harris-Taylor
from Cleveland wrote on May 5, 2021 at 2:23 pm
She was always professional, responsive and good to work with as a member and fellow journalist.
Rest in peace, Pia.
Rest in peace, Pia.
Bruce Japsen
from Chicago wrote on May 5, 2021 at 1:59 pm
I regret I did not get to meet Pia. I am sure I would have at last year’s conference had it not been canceled. I saw her name often and knew without asking that she was a key person in the AHCJ family. I am sorry to hear of her passing and at such a young age. My deepest condolences to all her knew her and loved her.
Margaret Nicklas
from Austin wrote on May 5, 2021 at 1:22 pm
I was extremely nervous when I attended my first AHCJ, and Pia was so kind and welcoming. She made sure to help me get to know some people, and was so grounded and generous. She also inspired one of my stories on increasing earthquakes in Oklahoma. She truly was the face of health journalism, and she will be missed.
Erin Blakemore
from Boulder, CO wrote on May 5, 2021 at 1:13 pm
I shall always have a smile and a warm spot in my heart for our friendship and the good times we shared whether we were working hard or hardly working. My memories of traveling around an unknown city, experiencing new sights, enjoying the local cuisine in a hole in the wall restaurant, trudging through the Dallas airport, and finding our way to a drugstore and pausing to watch a homeless family eat their dinner while sitting on the floor in the diaper aisle. May we never forget the simple pleasure of sitting quietly with our feet up after a busy conference day or licking the bowl clean after devouring guacamole with pomegranate seeds. As I wear that uncomfortable blue shirt, I will hear you laughing. You will always be beside us.
Susan Cunningham
from Columbia, Mo. wrote on May 5, 2021 at 12:55 pm
I met Pia when I joined AHCJ in 2017 and I liked her instantly. Her beaming smile and warm personality were so welcoming and genuine. I’m grateful to her for helping me acclimate to AHCJ and for all of support and professionalism she provided as I learned to navigate this world of Health Journalism. Though she worked remotely, I felt like she was always accessible and responsive and when we were able to gather in person, she was always a great person to explore a new city with. We always managed to discover so many great places to eat too! Our last trip together was the Aging Conference in Los Angeles and that was the trip I discovered the green chile tamales from El Cholo (thanks to Pia!). I tracked down the recipe and now, each time I make them, I think of Pia.
She’s been a wonderful colleague and friend and AHCJ will not be the same without her.
She’s been a wonderful colleague and friend and AHCJ will not be the same without her.
Tina England
from Columbia, MO wrote on May 5, 2021 at 12:50 pm