October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Betty Ford was discharged from Bethesda Naval Hospital on O
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Betty Ford was discharged from Bethesda Naval Hospital on October 11, 1974, following her breast cancer surgery. She had undergone a mastectomy on September 28, just a few weeks after moving into the White House.Once doctors began Mrs. Ford’s surgery the operation was announced to the press. President Ford told reporters the procedure had been successful later in the day, and the White House Press Office released “Hospital Bulletin” updates on a regular basis throughout her stay in the hospital. This openness continued after Mrs. Ford’s recovery as she used her position as First Lady to advocate for women to receive screenings for the early detection of breast cancer.Mrs. Ford also spoke about the importance of a support network in her recovery from breast cancer. “Back in my hospital room I felt surrounded by love and support” from her family members, she noted in an article for the February 1975 issue of McCall’s magazine. “Later, when I was feeling better, the doctors and nurses were a great help in keeping my spirits up. We all did a lot of kidding, laughing and joking.” She encouraged everyone to assist those facing cancer deal with what she called the “emotional side effects” of the disease.Mrs. Ford received a warm welcome back at the White House. About 200 staff members lined up along the South Portico to greet her when she returned from Bethesda Naval Hospital. The East Wing staff greeted her with signs reading “It was lonely without you” and “Welcome Home to our First Lady.”: First Lady Betty Ford Thanking Nurses Before Being Discharged from Bethesda Naval Hospital Following Her Breast Cancer Surgery, 10/11/1974 (White House photograph A1385-10 / National Archives Identifier 45644311, https://catalog.archives.gov/id/45644311): White House Staff Members Greeting Mrs. Ford at the South Portico Upon Her Return from Bethesda Naval Hospital, 10/11/1974 (White House photograph A1382-22) -- source link
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