Betty Ford (1918-2011)

She was born in Chicago and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, working as a fashion model and dance instructor before marrying future U.S President Gerald Ford in 1948. As First Lady (1974-77), Betty Ford became known for her candid, progressive views on social issues. She openly advocated for women's rights, supporting the Equal Rights Amendment, and spoke frankly about topics previously considered taboo for political spouses, including abortion rights and pre-marital sex. Her openness about her 1974 breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy helped reduce stigma around the disease and encouraged women to seek regular screenings. After leaving the White House, she publicly acknowledged that she had struggled with prescription drug and alcohol addiction. Her courageous decision to seek treatment led to the establishment of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, a renowned addiction treatment facility in California that has helped thousands recover from substance abuse. Throughout her life, she remained an advocate for women's issues and addiction recovery. Her willingness to discuss difficult subjects openly, breaking barriers for future First Ladies and demonstrating how personal struggles could be transformed into platforms for helping others, cemented her legacy.