As the country, and perhaps some of the world at large, watched, Betty Ford was laid to rest next to her husband, former President Gerald Ford in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was 93 years old and has left her mark on the world.
For many, the mark former First Lady Betty Ford left behind was not her time at the White House (1974-1977) but the marks she made on women's issues. She may be best known for founding the Betty Ford Center, a substance abuse and addictions treatment center. The Center is renowned for the number of celebrities who have had treatment there.
But within the cancer community, Betty Ford was much loved for raising the awareness of breast cancer. As First Lady much was said about how she raised this awareness of breast cancer following her own bout with breast cancer and the resulting mastectomy. Betty Ford made it okay to talk about breast cancer openly.
Many breast cancer survivors applaud her efforts in the cancer arena. This was quite obvious as one sat watching the news coverage as Mrs. Ford laid-in-state at the Gerald Ford Museum. Patients awaiting chemotherapy at Mercy Medical Center openly discussed their knowledge of Mrs. Ford's enthusiastic support for women's issues, for founding the Betty Ford Center (which many agreed, it is a shame to have such a great need for the Center), but most especially comments were thanking her for her part in raising awareness of breast cancer.
Josephine W. said she remembered there were many in the mid-1970s who did not feel it was appropriate for a First Lady to talk about breasts – cancer or not! She can remember her mother and father having 'hot and heavy discussions' about this issue many times. The discussions laid the groundwork for Josephine's knowledge of breast cancer, mastectomies and other issues impacting women at that time.
Thomasina J. explained the reactions to Mrs. Ford's activism on some issues impacting women in the 1970s. Her best recollection was the number of times her mother told her to be sure to eat healthy and exercise to ward off the possibility of getting cancer since their family has a long history with the disease. Thomasina said, “Every time a commercial came on featuring Mrs. Ford and breast cancer, mom would fix the healthiest meals the next day. I guess my genetic gene trumped all that healthy eating!” said Thomasina as she went forward to the treatment area.
Many others in the area agreed that Mrs. Ford helped to open the eyes of the world regarding breast cancer. The simple fact that it could strike someone living in the White House made it a little easier to accept, “After all,” Rosanne said, “if it can strike a First Lady, it can strike anyone!”
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