Elizabeth Ford

Betty Ford found herself as a First Lady under the unprecedented circumstances of President Nixon’s resignation. One month later, she publicly announced she was undergoing a mastectomy. The enormous outpouring of support across the country brought national awareness to breast cancer and saved millions of lives. Betty voiced her opinions on controversial topics and produced both public scorn and praise for her views on abortion, open marriage, and support of the Equal Rights Amendment. She left the White House still in denial of her addiction problems. The Betty Ford Center is the result of her commitment to helping others overcome drug and alcohol abuse.