A Legacy of Political Partnership
Former President Joe Biden is scheduled to receive the 2026 Sonia Schorr Sloan Service Award from Planned Parenthood of Delaware on September 24. The presentation will take place during the organization’s 2nd Annual Chocolate & Champagne Gala at The Waterfall in Claymont. Former first lady Jill Biden is set to present the award to her husband.
The award is named in honor of Sonia “Sonny” Schorr Sloan, a prominent Delaware Democrat, scientist, and activist who played a pivotal role in Biden’s early political career. Sloan, who served as board president of Planned Parenthood of Delaware in the early 1980s, was instrumental in bringing reproductive healthcare services to the state. Her relationship with Biden began in the early 1970s when he was a New Castle County Councilman. According to historical accounts, when Biden first proposed running for the U.S. Senate, Sloan famously questioned his ambition before becoming the primary fundraiser for his campaign, securing his first major contribution of $25,000.
The Evolution of a Political Alliance
The relationship between the former president and Sloan spanned decades, continuing until her death in 2019. Sloan remained a consistent supporter through every one of Biden’s political campaigns, including his 2020 presidential bid. Despite Biden’s earlier, more conservative stance on abortion during his time as a U.S. Senator—where he notably voted in 1981 in favor of a constitutional amendment allowing states to overturn Roe v. Wade—his political and personal alignment with the organization Sloan championed remained a constant thread in his public life.
Planned Parenthood of Delaware notes that the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate “fearless leadership” and advocacy. The gala serves as a fundraising event to support reproductive healthcare and education across the state. Tickets for the event are currently available through the organization’s official portal.
Current Context
The award announcement comes as the former president manages significant personal health challenges. In May 2025, Biden disclosed that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Recent statements from his son, Hunter Biden, have indicated that the condition has metastasized, causing him ongoing pain. Despite these challenges, the former president has maintained a public presence, continuing his religious observances at St. Joseph on the Brandywine and participating in local social events. His upcoming memoir, Promise Me, America, is slated for release on November 17.