OR

source:wikipedia.org
08 Apr, 1918
08 Jul, 2011
Natural causes
American
States
93
Betty Ford was the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 as she was the wife of President Gerald Ford. She was also a known activist and the co-founder of the Betty Ford Center, a treatment facility for substance abuse and addiction.
Betty Ford was born in 1918 in Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she studied dance. Ford ended up marrying William Warren in 1942. But the marriage didn’t last long, and the couple got divorced just five years later. She met Gerald Ford, who was running for Congress, in 1948. They got married and had four children.
As a congressman’s wife, Ford remained active in various civic and charitable organisations. She also supported her husband in his political career and campaigned for him during social events.
When Gerald Ford became Vice President in 1973, Betty assumed the role of Second Lady and continued to remain active in various public issues. She also disclosed her battle with breast cancer and raised awareness, encouraging women to undergo regular check-ups.
When Gerald Ford became the President in 1974, Ford assumed the position of First Lady and continued her candid lifestyle. She voiced her opinions on controversial topics and remained a vocal advocate for issues she cared about.
After leaving the White House in 1977, Ford disclosed her alcohol and addiction problem and sought treatment. This led her to co-found the Betty Ford Center in California in 1982 to help others overcome addictions.
Betty Ford spent her final years in Rancho Mirage, California. As she grew older, she remained active in supporting causes close to her heart. On July 8, 2011, Betty Ford passed away at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. She was 93 years old.
Betty Ford left behind a powerful legacy. She was known for her honesty about tough topics like breast cancer and addiction. Her openness helped many people seek help for their own problems.
The Betty Ford Center, which she started, has helped countless people overcome addiction. She also fought for women’s rights and was a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Betty Ford showed that a First Lady could be more than just a quiet supporter – she could be a force for change. Her courage and candor made her one of the most admired First Ladies in American history.
Betty Ford
Betty Ford
Female
Natural causes
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Rancho Mirage, California, U.S.
Campaigner: Betty Ford was constantly making moves to change the world. She wanted to make the world a better place to live in.
Ford publicly discussed her addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs.
She advocated for women's rights and breast cancer awareness.
The Betty Ford Center has helped over 100,000 people recover from addiction.
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991
She received the Hubert Humphrey Inspirational Award front he American Cancer Society in 1982
She was awarded the Hall of Fame Award by the International Women’s Forum in 1991
She was honored with the Women of Achievement & Courage Award by the Michigan Women’s Foundation
Ford was awarded the Komen Foundation Award by the Susan G. Komen Foundation
She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
She received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999
She was awarded the Distinguished Woman of the Year Award from the National Art Association in 1975
She received the Living Legacy Award by the Women’s International Center in 1997
She received the Humanitarian Award for the Philadelphia Association for Retarded Citizens in 1975
She received a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
She was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1987
She received the Jefferson Awarded by the American Institute for Public Service
Betty Ford was awarded the Alice Paul Award from the National Woman’s Party in 1975