The measure of a life can be in depth and breadth: how deeply we touch others, and then again how many we touch in our lifetime. Betty Ford is one person who, through struggle and courage, was able to accomplish both in her 93 years on earth.
The wife of President Gerald Ford, she was ushered into the White House as First Lady through the political turmoil of the early 1970s. She became one of America’s most independent, and one of the most beloved, First Ladies; and that strength and independence began with her own mother, Hortense Neahr.
After the early death of Betty Ford’s natural father, she lived in a household with siblings and a single mother who supported the family as a real estate agent. This early experience enabled her to assume her national role with the gracefulness of a disciplined dancer -which she was having studied under the great Martha Graham. She is quoted as noting her mother and Martha Graham as two of the most powerful influences in her life.
The influence of strong, creative and courageous women would inspire her to take very public, independent stands on the issue of women’s equal rights; sometimes standing with protesters outside a convention hall while her husband pursued politics inside.
Betty Ford also spoke publicly concerning her struggle with breast cancer and her ensuing mastectomy; and her public efforts resulted in a 400% increase in the number of women seeking preventative screenings. But undoubtedly, the disease of addiction is the one where her legacy will be mostly remembered.
The Betty Ford Center, which continues to maintain affordable rates for many Americans, has risen in American consciousness by the long parade of celebrities who sought help there. Steve Nicks was one of the first stars to respond to Betty Ford’s death by saying she would not be alive had it not been for her. The same can be said for the likes generations ranging from the singer Johnny Cash to the actor Robert Downey Jr.
Betty Ford, soon after leaving the White House, disclosed her struggle with addiction to pain killer medication, and began a personal crusade. The Betty Ford Center has personally helped over 90,000 people who have passed through it’s doors. That is only a fraction of the millions of people who got help elsewhere because of the pioneer work conducted by Ford in removing the social stigma attached to the disease of addiction.
It was the courage of Betty Ford that helped remove the shame associated with substance abuse, and it was her hope that replaced an inevitable tragedy for many victims and families with the hope of a brighter future.
Locally, in Franklin Lakes, Oakland and Wyckoff, The Municipal Alliance has been working to prevent the substance abuse that makes places like The Betty Ford Center indispensable to society. Comprised of representatives from schools, seniors, residents, police and commissions, the municipal alliances work to discourage substance abuse through education and alternative activities.
The three towns recently combined efforts to develop http://themunicipalalliance.org, and are making a concerted effort to bring greater awareness to the continuing problem of substance abuse. Readers are encouraged to visit TheMunicipalAlliance.org to learn more about events and programs.
Additional Reading on Betty Ford
http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=39
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-5-things-to-know-about-betty-ford/
Betty Ford, thanks for teaching us…..