There's lots of great things we can say about Planned Parenthood as an organization, but I think it's more interesting to tell a personal story and I find my mom's story particularly compelling. I think through the specificity of it you might find something that resonates with you.

And if you do — if stories like ours and the work that Planned Parenthood does mean something to you — I hope you'll donate. (Even better: donate right now and you'll also get a chance to see my new show on Broadway AND HAMILTON on the same day.)

Some of you may know my mom, Dr. Luz: my hero, and currently on the board of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. What you might not know is that in 1971, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 19 years old. At the time there weren't many treatment options available besides radiation, and the doctors essentially deemed her case to be a ticking clock. My mom though, the fighter she is, stuck through the radiation AND continued to attend her college courses at the same time. (I told you she was my hero.)

Two months after the clock was supposed to be up, my mom found out she was pregnant. This was 1973. Roe v. Wade had just passed, but that didn't mean the stigma around unwed pregnancy was gone. My mom grew up knowing girls from her high school who disappeared – likely pregnant, shipped away by their parents, and never to be heard from again.

Hold up. Before we go on, I want you to know, you have the chance to come see my new show on Broadway, Freestyle Love Supreme...AND HAMILTON, on the same day. Meet me, see both shows, hotel and air covered — all benefiting Planned Parenthood Action Fund and International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region. Donate now to enter. Enter Now »

It had been two years since my mom's cancer diagnosis, two years under the dagger. She knew she had two life goals: a) to be a psychologist and b) to be a mother. So in March 1973, my mom went to Planned Parenthood where they confirmed her pregnancy. They also reassured her that she had a choice, that there was now an option that wasn't even possible three months before. Knowing this was such a relief for my mom and deeply comforted her, which ultimately helped her decide that yes – she wanted this baby. My sister, Luzecita.

I can only imagine how terrified I would have been in these moments – at 19 with that diagnosis and at 21 about to have a child. My mom says she was extremely fortunate to have the support she needed. And at critical junctures, Planned Parenthood helped her with her health and reproductive options.

Planned Parenthood was there for my mom, and they are there for you too — providing high-quality, affordable, and compassionate health care and information — no matter who you are, where you live, or where you're from.

Thank you, mom, for sharing your story. For being so open and giving us an extraordinary look into your experience.

And thank you all for listening and for helping us #TakeTheMic to support Planned Parenthood

Siempre, Lin

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