Betty Ford has passed on at the age of 93 but she will forever be remembered for being the first First Lady to speak out and use the role to have a voice and make change. She was outspoken and made the role of First Lady more than just a silent side kick or trophy wife if you will. She was an advocate for women's rights and was a strong supporter of many worthy causes from addiction, to breast cancer awareness to being an early supporter of AIDS victims.
She was the first to speak openly about breast cancer when she was diagnosed and treated while in the White House and was an advocate for early detection. She later created the Betty Ford Comprehensive Center for Breast Cancer.
She was instrumental in advocating women having important, voting roles in politics.
She was a liberal and in favor of Roe vs. Wade since it would allow women to have abortions in clean, sterile settings and remove women from dangerous procedures outside a doctors care.
Probably most know for her work in addiction, she brought awareness to addiction and founded the Betty Ford Center.
In 1993 she along side Rosalynn Carter was instrumental in including mental health and substance abuse in the health care reform legislation.
From and interview with the Washington Post, Ford said, “When you have so much,” she said, “it is just human nature that you see the needs of others and you want to help.”
Whether you have a lot or only a little, I think it is true human nature to help others and each of us should be mindful of helping others whether it's offering to help an elderly neighbor, volunteering in your kid's school or donating food or money to charity. Any effort you make can impact somebody's life.
Betty Ford showed us how an ordinary person can take a stand. Betty Ford showed us that women can have an opinion that differs from her husband. Betty Ford showed us that women can fall but can stand up again. Betty Ford showed us that women are important in U.S. politics and in businesses across America. Betty Ford is an important part of U.S. history and the original role model for young girls. Betty Ford is truly a legacy.
Jan
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