An Unsung Hero

Several days ago, our country lost an incredible pioneer as former first lady, Betty Ford died at the age of 93.  Her roots deep in the Midwest and similar to so many others from that region gave her voice a plain-spoken frankness.

Just a few weeks after her family was thrust into the arms of the nation when her husband was sworn in as an unelected President and her boisterous, fun-loving family took residence in the White House; she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  In the mid 1970’s the openness she demonstrated about her diagnosis, radical mastectomy and recovery was uncommon and elevated her to national heroine.  She told of the experience of coming down the stairs at their first state dinner and thinking; “…they are all trying to remember if it was my left or right breast that was removed.”  

The openness of her experience had another-- and unexpected-- effect that had not occurred to her: Women across the country began seeking checkups for breast cancer.

It was that same inner strength, determination, love of family, and desire to carry on despite adversities that gave her the courage to confront her addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs just a few years later.  She remained strong as she faced the truth of her addiction and fought the stigma surrounding her health problems.  The rehabilitation facility named for her -- The Betty Ford Center-- has gone on to successfully treat many other individuals suffering from any variety of addictions.

She was remembered at a memorial service in California today as a mother, first lady, friend and tireless advocate for those struggling.  We are again left to imagine facing ‘secret’ diseases far too often hidden by shame and battled privately with so many eyes watching, having to cope with the fear, the doubts, the pain with every appearance, every decision scrutinized by the media and millions of people.

May she now rest in peace, victorious in her earthly battles.