Elizabeth "Betty" Ford

 

Betty Ford, a remarkable American woman, served as the first lady from 1974 to 1977. She was the wife of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States. Betty was not only a dedicated wife but also the founder of the Betty Ford Center, a renowned facility that helps individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Known for her outspoken opinions on various public matters and her openness about personal issues, Betty was a trailblazer in her own right.

Born as Betty Bloomer to William and Hortense Bloomer, she grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she attended public schools and developed a passion for dance at a young age. Graduating from high school in 1936, she pursued a dance career on the East Coast during her summers. Betty's determination and resilience shone through in everything she did.

Bloomer's time at Bennington College in Vermont was a turning point in her life, thanks to the influential Martha Graham. Graham's impact on Bloomer was profound, shaping her in ways she couldn't fully articulate. Joining Graham's troupe in New York City meant a move to Manhattan's West Side, where Bloomer juggled dancing with modeling to make ends meet. While she never reached the pinnacle of principal dancer, she found joy in Graham's innovative modern dance techniques.

After leaving the troupe at her mother's urging, Bloomer returned to Grand Rapids, teaching dance to children with disabilities and working as a fashion consultant. A brief, hazy marriage ended in divorce, leading Bloomer to cross paths with Gerald R. Ford, a local lawyer. Their engagement was delayed for his political ambitions, but they eventually tied the knot in 1948. The newlyweds embarked on a journey to Washington, D.C., where they raised four children together.

Betty Ford took on the role of primary caregiver while Gerald Ford was out on the campaign trail. She humorously remarked that their family car visited the emergency room so often it could drive itself. Dealing with her own health issues, including addiction to pain medication and seeking psychiatric treatment, Betty faced many challenges while raising her children.

Her life changed drastically when Gerald Ford became Vice President in 1973 and then President in 1974. Betty's honesty and openness during her time as First Lady, especially when she underwent a mastectomy, inspired women across the country to prioritize their health. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Betty continued to fulfill her duties as First Lady, recognizing the impact she could have on others.

Betty Ford was known for her admiration of Bess Truman's down-to-earth style and Eleanor Roosevelt's independence. She aimed to embody both women's qualities. Shortly after moving into the White House, she shocked reporters by revealing her support for Roe v. Wade and the Equal Rights Amendment. Despite facing criticism for her outspoken views, Betty Ford remained steadfast in her beliefs.

Her appearance on 60 Minutes caused a stir when she discussed premarital sex, but her candidness only served to increase her popularity. Despite her husband's concerns about the potential backlash, Betty Ford's refreshing honesty won her the title of Woman of the Year by Time magazine. Though some may have pushed for her to run for national office, Betty Ford remained focused on her role as First Lady.

After Gerald Ford narrowly missed out on the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter, the Fords decided to settle down in Rancho Mirage, California. Unfortunately, Betty Ford's reliance on prescription drugs persisted. In early 1978, her family finally convinced her to seek treatment at a center in Long Beach. Following a successful recovery, she established the Betty Ford Center in 1982 to assist others struggling with similar addictions. Serving as chairperson until 2005, the center quickly gained popularity and attracted clients from all walks of life. In recognition of her efforts to raise awareness and provide treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991 by George H.W. Bush. Ford's life was depicted in the 1987 TV movie "The Betty Ford Story" and she authored two books sharing her experiences. Despite her traditional background, Ford's honesty and openness as first lady made her widely admired.

 

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Pheonix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, and oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.