BETTY FORD A Human Leader Laura Simmons Dr. Cheri Tillman HONS 1990

Personal Background  Born in Chicago Illinois on April 8,  Her father passed away when she was sixteen.  Professionally trained as a dancer—having performed in Carnegie Hall.  “Dancing was my happiness.”  Married William Warren in 1942, divorced five years later.  Married Gerald Ford in 1948

Why Famous?  Famous by association…  Brought into the public eye when husband Gerald R. Ford became president in  Betty Ford took full advantage of the intensely public position of First Lady  She was an asset to her husband’s career but, she made it clear that she had opinions of her own.

Awards and Honors  Eleanor Roosevelt Humanities Award – 1978  Hubert Humphrey Inspirational Award - The American Cancer Society – 1982  Komen Foundation Award - The Susan G. Komen Foundation (this award, given for support of breast cancer research and education is now called the Betty Ford Award)  Harding Award - National Arthritis Foundation (the highest award from the Foundation for volunteer services)  Commitment to Life Award - AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) – 1985  Gold Key Award - National Council on Alcoholism – 1986  Freedom of Human Spirit Award - International Center for the Disabled – 1987  Citation of Layman for Distinguished Service - American Medical Association – 1989  Hall of Fame Award - International Women's Forum – 1991  Presidential Medal of Freedom - awarded by President Bush – 1991  Breast Cancer Awareness Lifetime Achievement Award - Columbia Hospital for Women, Washington, D.C. – 1995  National Samaritan Award - The Samaritan Institute, Denver, CO – 1995  Distinguished Service Award from the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, New York City (presented in Los Angeles) – 1995  American Health for Women, Women's Health Heo Award – 1997  American Institute for Public Service, Jefferson Award – 1997  The Michigan Women's Foundation, Women of Achievement & Courage – 1997  Women's International Center, Living Legacy Award – 1998  Ronald McDonald House Charities Award of Excellence – 1998  Congressional Gold Medal

Descriptions…  “A housewife who argued passionately for equal rights for women, a mother of four who mused about drugs, abortion and premarital sex aloud and without regret.”  “Her gift for giving is legendary, her outreach powerful, her honesty unparalleled.”  “She had the self-confidence to express herself with humor and forthrightness whether speaking to friends or to the public.”

Traits & Skills PositiveNegative Take Advantage of opportunitiesToo Liberal and Outspoken Strong-willedBad Influence/Role Model Outspoken“No Lady” Driven Passionate Humanitarian Spirit Lead By Example Un-afraid of a Challenge

Specific Situation  Mastectomy for breast cancer on September 28,  Open about an illness that was “just not discussed”  “When other women have this same operation, it doesn’t make any headlines, but the fact that I was the wife of the President put it in headlines and brought before the public this particular experience I was going through. It made a lot of women realize that it could happen to them. I’m sure I’ve saved at least one person—maybe more.”

A “Personal” Problem  1964  Pain in her neck  Diagnosed as a pinched nerve.  Keep her in bed for weeks.  Developed arthritis  Put on painkillers  Addicted  Spend more time alone, developed a drinking problem  Psychiatrist  Refused to admit that she had a problem with pills or alcohol.

Not So Personal Anymore…  Betty Ford threw herself wholeheartedly into the 1976 campaign  The pinched nerve began to cause her problems again  Used painkillers heavily  Her speech was sometimes slurred during appearances  Years After the White House…  Often left alone at retirement home in California  She countered her loneliness with alcohol and pills.  Her family became alarmed  In 1978 they had an intervention.  Long Beach Naval Hospital  The treatment was tough, but she later acknowledged that it probably saved her life.

Legacy  Betty Ford Clinic for substance abuse recovery  The Times of My Life in 1978  Betty: A Glad Awakening in 1987  The Betty Ford Cancer Research Center at Cedars Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles, CA  The Betty Ford Center for Comprehensive Breast Diagnosis at Columbia Hospital for Women, Washington, D.C  The Betty Ford Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids, MI  The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, Colorado

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