Honoring Veteran Volunteers

The Ransohoffs first befriended PPSWO in 1946, having just returned to Cincinnati from service abroad during World War II.  "Jerry urged me to become active with Planned Parenthood," says Sue, who is now 86.  "I don't think I had a clue as to what it was about at that time, but as soon as I understood the basic idea, I agreed."  Jerry, a journalist with a particular interest in medicine, science, and health care, had long known of Planned Parenthood, saying, simply, "It's a place that does a good job." Sue met the executive director at the time, Maude Adams, and was soon asked to join the board of directors.

At that time, the newly married Ransohoffs had begun to build a family.  Having a child only served to strengthen Sue's support of the Planned Parenthood mission.  "We had every reason to be happy to be having a baby, and yet I found parenthood uphill work," she says.  "I was unprepared for it — as many people are.  Having a baby is no light affair."  She solicited donations for Planned Parenthood door-to-door, sometimes pregnant with one of their four children.  "When I voiced my appeal, people would look at me as if to say, 'Lady, why don't you listen to your own spiel?!'" Later, as a social worker for the department of welfare, working specifically with adoptions, Sue came face to face with another side of the issue.  "I saw the unwanted children," she says, "and the long shadow an unwanted pregnancy casts."

These formative experiences cemented what would become a lifelong relationship with PPSWO.  She and Jerry were there to witness Planned Parenthood evolve into an ever-more political and advocacy-based organization.  "Time marched on," says Sue. "Politics came upon the scene, and abortions were performed at our [health] center." 

As an abortion provider, PPSWO saw increased aggression from anti-choice forces.  In 1985, the health center, situated on a tree-lined street, was firebombed. (Remnants of the Victorian structure, including a stained-glass skylight, are housed in the new building — a reminder of the past.)  As the situation grew worse, with picketers lining the walk to the health center, Jerry joined a group of clinic escorts.  For several years, he stood vigilant in the face of protesters. "I was glad to do it," Jerry says, now 89.

While Jerry has continued vital financial support, Sue has put her talents to use as an energetic member of the development committee and foundation board, and the force behind "Choices," an annual fundraising dinner and auction during the 1990s.  Says Sue, "That first year I think I hoped we'd raise about $10,000–15,000.  And it topped out at close to $30,000, I was ecstatic."  The Ransohoffs also funded significant education programs and have taken part in a successful endowment campaign. 

"Together, they're a team," says Barbara Rabkin, PPSWO director of development, who has worked closely with the Ransohoffs.  "Their involvement keeps them young and keeps our agency young."

On November 4, PPSWO will honor the Ransohoffs with the 2006 Diamond Award, established in 2004 in celebration of PPSWO's 75^th anniversary.  The award is now handed out annually in recognition of exceptional service and leadership in the Planned Parenthood family. 

For the Ransohoff’s lifetime commitment to the Planned Parenthood mission and vision for a better world, Becki Brenner, president and CEO, Barb Sager, PPSWO board chair, and the rest of the Planned Parenthood family, are eternally grateful.  In turn, says Sue, she is grateful for the many friends they have made along the way.

Says Rabkin, "They have shown by example to a younger generation that if you have conviction, you use the energy, talent, and resources you have to make the world a better place."