Gerald Ford and betty ford have been married since 1948. When
Gerald Ford became the 38th president of the United States, Betty put
her position to good use, helping the handicapped and working toward
the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. Betty Ford also
survived breast cancer and chemical dependency, which led her to
become the founder of the Betty Ford Center, which is now considered
the best treatment facility in the Nation for those recovering from
Alcohol and drug abuse. The fords were awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal for "dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian
contributions." in 1999.
