Last night, the Institute for Women’s Health Research held is first grassroots social event in Chicago. More than 120 women (and a few brave men) turned out to network with each other, learn about the state of women’s health research and enjoy Chicago comedienne Patti Vasquez. Patti’s humor resonated with the multi-generational audience with jokes focusing on everything from teenage antics, pregnancy, mother-daughter relationships and growing up in a mixed family (Mexican/Irish). Women came from the city as well as the southern, western and northern suburbs to attend and many of them were truly energized about the Institute and what it is accomplishing. It was fun to see pioneer Sally Rynne there, who opened the very first free standing women’s clinic in Chicago over 30 years ago! She told me she was delighted to see women’s health advocacy alive and well. When she found out about our Illinois Women’s Health Registry two years ago, she said she signed up immediately because this was a tool that was long overdue. Special thanks to Kirkland and Ellis Foundation who were a contributing supporter of this event. Make sure you check our web site for future events!
