Celebrating Generations of Healthy Families with PPIL

This Thursday, Planned Parenthood of Illinois honored generations of supporters at its first-ever Generations: A Celebration of Healthy Families gala at the Chicago History Museum. Nearly 400 supporters attended the event to celebrate how each generation approached the fight for reproductive justice and what Planned Parenthood is doing today for future generations.

“Our collective mission – which we renew tonight – is to make sure that nothing stands in the way of women receiving the health care that they need and deserve,” said Carole Brite, PPIL President and CEO.

Actress and comedienne Julia Sweeney delivered a hilarious monologue about sex education. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders gave a powerful speech about how her generation fought for the reproductive freedoms we enjoy today, yet the battle still rages on.

“We have come a long way to ensure access to comprehensive health care for all women in America,” said Dr. Elders, distinguished professor at the Clinton School of Public Policy. “However, conservative extremists across the country have launched the most aggressive assault on women’s health care in American history. It is now more critical than ever to stand strong to protect the rights we fought so hard to achieve.” 


Christina Santiago, Programming Manager at the Lesbian Community Cancer Project (LCCP) at Howard Brown Health Center was honored with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award for her activism in the reproductive justice movement. Guests also joined in honoring Peggy A. Carr and her son Terry Carr with a tribute video. Peggy Carr was inspired to advocate for women’s health by her mother who supported Planned Parenthood when it was in its infancy. Peggy, now in her 90s, has passed the torch to her son Terry, who has been on the PPIL board for almost 30 years.


We'd like to personally thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us at our event. We would also like to extend a special thanks to our fabulous event co-chairs, Hedy Ratner and Lisa Fiore. Because of your support, PPIL is able to fulfill its mission and continue to provide services to millions of families and individuals of all generations.

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