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Smithers Foundation celebrating over 5 decades of
philanthropy as the only foundation in America dedicated
solely to education about, and understanding,
of the disease of alcoholism.
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The R. Brinkley Smithers Lifetime Achievement Award
Former First Lady Betty Ford was presented with the R. Brinkley Smithers Lifetime Achievement Award at the Betty Ford Treatment center. The presentation was videotaped and played at the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation's 50th Anniversary Gala on May 7, 2003 at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City.
Mrs. Ford received the award for:
... leadership in working with national and international leaders in fostering a better understanding of alcoholism and its treatment;
... dedication to combating alcoholism throughout the world, creating a better understanding of alcoholism as a respectable, treatable disease from which individuals can and do recover;
... carrying the message of hope and the promise of recovery to millions of alcoholics and family members around The world;
... speaking out publicly with courage and compassion, thereby reducing the stigma associated with alcoholism;
... providing inspiration to millions by sharing her experience, strength and hope; giving comfort to those still sick and suffering, as well as those who have found long term recovery.
Born Elizabeth Anne Bloomer in Chicago, she grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated from high school there. She studied modern dance at Bennington College in Vermont, decided to make it a career, and became a member of Martha Graham's noted concert group in New York City. In 1947, she began dating Jerry Ford, football hero, graduate of the University of Michigan and Yale Law School, and soon a candidate for Congress. They were married during the 1948 campaign; he won his election; and the Fords lived in the Washington area for nearly three decades thereafter.
As wife of Representative Gerald R. Ford, she looked forward to his retirement and more time together. In late 1973 his selection as Vice President was a surprise to her. She was just becoming accustomed to their new roles became President upon Mr. Nixon's resignation in August 1974.
Instead of retiring, the Fords were moving to The White House.
As First Lady, Mrs. Ford directed her efforts toward the arts, handicapped children and women's issues. She was an indefatigable worker for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. Her own bout with breast cancer in September 1974 made her an advocate for improvements and increased awareness in women's health issues. Her outspoken and open approach to her own cancer helped raise the conscience of the Nation with regard to this disease. Mrs. Ford's concern for and support of women's health care issues and women's rights is still strong.
In 1978, an autobiography, The Times of My Life, chronicled her White House years. In 1987, a second book, Betty: A Glad Awakening, was published. It is the story of her recovery from chemical dependency. Since her treatment for alcohol and prescription drug dependency at the Long Beach Naval Hospital in 1978, Mrs. Ford has become an active and outspoken advocate for improved awareness, education and treatment in the areas of alcoholism and drug dependency. She played an active role in the fundraising and planning of the Betty Ford Center at Eisenhower Medical Center. This chemical dependency recovery hospital opened in 1982 and is regarded as the outstanding treatment facility in the Nation. Mrs. Ford serves as a very active President of the Board of Directors of the Betty Ford Center and devotes the majority of her time to work in the chemical dependency field.
Back to the Smithers Foundation Awards page.
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