On November 3, 2025, Milk Bank WGL had the tremendous honor of hosting Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, State Senator Laura Murphy, and State Representative Michelle Mussman for a facility tour and roundtable discussion about the vital role of donor human milk in neonatal health.
J.B. Pritzker, Summer Kelly, and Margaret Vaughn discussing milk banking.
The joy of hearing about the life saving properties of donor milk.
We welcomed not only our honored guests and our team, but also two local families whose lives have been deeply touched by the power of donor milk. We were joined by former milk recipients London and Sevan. Their heartfelt stories underscored why our work matters, and why building broader awareness and support for donor milk is so urgent.
The Power of Advocacy and Compassion
London pointing out her preemie photo on our milk bank photo wall.
Mom Rachel, shared her family’s journey. London was born extremely prematurely at 24 weeks gestation, weighing just over one pound. After she was discharged from the NICU, she developed severe formula intolerance. Frequent vomiting led to erosion of her esophagus and oral aversion, requiring continuous tube feedings. After switching to donor milk, London began to grow and thrive. Her story helped secure legislation that mandates Medicaid and insurance coverage of donor milk for medically complex babies in Illinois.
Rachel and Tim tell the story of their daughter London
In her letter to Governor Pritzker, Rachel wrote:
“If we didn’t have access to human donor milk, I don’t know what would have happened to London… access to milk produced naturally should not be one of the battles babies like her have to fight.”
Today, London is a vibrant 10-year-old with no hospital stays since leaving the NICU, a testament to what’s possible when medically fragile babies receive the nutrition they truly need.
Sevan’s family shared how he benefited from donor milk and has experienced remarkable growth and health as a result. Sevan was also born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing just over a pound. He had an intestinal perforation, leading to feeding intolerance. Donor milk was easy on his digestive system, giving him a chance to grow, develop, and thrive. Thanks to Illinois’ donor milk insurance coverage legislation, he transitioned seamlessly from the hospital to home with donor milk in place, keeping him as comfortable as possible along the way. He is now a happy, healthy 1 year old!
Their testimony brought to life the hope and tangible difference that donor milk provides to families facing early and critical health challenges.
Sevan with his parents Senonca and Van.
Sevan’s Mother Senonca shared “Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes became a lifeline for us. Donor Milk gave Sevan a fighting chance. It protected him from infections, supported his growth, and helped his fragile body in ways formula couldn’t.”
Coming Together for Healthier Beginnings
The roundtable included Milk Bank WGL Executive Director, Summer Kelly; Board President Marissa Grossenbach; Board Members Maura MacDonald, Jequeatta Upton‑Smith, & Katherine Mowen; Milk bank Program Manager Susan Urbanski, Operations Manager Vanessa Love‑Badame, and Director of Scientific Affairs, Dr. Miena Hall.
Milk Bank WGL Executive Director, Summer Kelly; Board President Marissa Grossenbach; Board Members Maura MacDonald, Jequeatta Upton‑Smith, & Katherine Mowen; Governor J.B. Pritzker, State Senator Laura Murphy, and State Representative Michelle Mussman.
Together with Governor Pritzker, Senator Murphy and Representative Mussman, we discussed how Illinois can continue to support access to donor human milk, building on the passage of HB 3509 (effective January 1, 2020) which mandates coverage of donor milk under health insurance and the medical assistance program for eligible infants. Illinois General Assembly
Gratitude and Forward Momentum
We are deeply thankful to Governor Pritzker, Rep. Mussman, and Sen. Murphy for their time, their willingness to listen, and their commitment to the health of Illinois
’ tiniest residents. Their visit signals meaningful support and partnership in the life-saving work we do.
At the Milk Bank, we believe that every drop of donor milk is an act of hope, a testament that every baby deserves the best possible start. The energy in the room on November 3rd reminded us that when families, medical experts, policymakers and community advocates come together, we create real change.
Governor Pritzker meeting Sevan
We look forward to continuing our mission, ensuring donor human milk reaches every baby in need, and we invite you to join us in this journey of compassion, connection, and life-giving support.
Find out more about becoming a donor here: milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/
To support our mission: https://www.milkbankwgl.org/building-our-future/
