Betty Ford

This oil on canvas portrait of First Lady Betty Ford was painted by Felix de Cossio. Her husband, Gerald Ford, was president from August 9, 1974 until January 20, 1977. Prior to her marriage she was a professional dancer and fashion model, and performed with her company at Carnegie Hall. Her marriage to Gerald Ford was her second. While in the White House, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. She and President Ford were open about her diagnosis and treatment, which heightened public awareness about breast cancer and led to more diagnoses.