“The stamp in a word is beautiful. Mom would be so happy with it.”
First Lady Betty Ford’s daughter, Susan Ford Bales was the guest of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden who hosted the stamp unveiling from the White House East Room.
The commemorative Forever stamp celebrates First Lady Betty Ford’s legacy. In 1974 when the First Lady was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, she went public with the once-taboo medical condition inspiring women across the country to get their breasts examined. When she was confronted with her pain pill and alcohol addiction, she sought treatment and humanized substance use disorders. In 1982 the Betty Ford Center for substance dependency was established.
“There are times throughout history when courageous people stand up. And when courageous people stand up, they change the conversation for the entire country. Betty Ford did that for breast cancer and for addiction.”
Dr. Joseph Lee is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
“Where there was only shame and loneliness and despair she replaced it with hope, and dignity and compassion and community and equity. For the first time due to her actions and her words millions of people across the country felt seen, felt heard for the very first time. That is why Betty Ford is a national treasure.”
Her commemorative stamp dedication is April 5th.