First Lady Jill Biden Honors Betty Ford at First Ladies Luncheon in Grand Rapids

First Lady Jill Biden delivered a heartfelt speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s annual First Ladies Luncheon, paying tribute to former first lady Betty Ford. Despite feeling under the weather and losing her voice, Biden was determined to honor Ford, who made history by openly discussing her battle with breast cancer in 1974.

Biden’s speech highlighted the impact of Ford’s advocacy for women’s health care, quoting American Historian Richard Norton Smith’s eulogy at Ford’s funeral in 2011. Ford’s decision to speak out about breast cancer led to a significant increase in women seeking early cancer screenings and interventions.

Dr. Carolyn Mazure, chair of the White House Women’s Health Research Initiative, delivered Biden’s speech on her behalf, emphasizing the importance of women’s health research and the need for greater funding and focus in this area.

Reflecting on the legacy of Betty Ford, Biden called for a new era in women’s health care, urging for fundamental changes in how the nation approaches and funds research in this field. President Joe Biden’s executive order in March signaled a commitment to investing in women’s health care research and addressing gaps in understanding conditions that predominantly affect women.

Biden’s speech concluded with a message of hope and empowerment, drawing inspiration from Betty Ford’s resilience and triumph. She encouraged women to find strength in Ford’s legacy and to strive for a future where all women have access to the answers and care they need for their health.

The event was a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of Betty Ford’s advocacy and the ongoing importance of prioritizing women’s health care.