Susan Elizabeth Ford

Susan Elizabeth Ford. She is the youngest child and only daughter of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, and First Lady Betty Ford. Her adolescence in the White House during the mid-1970s placed her in the national spotlight, after which she pursued a career in photojournalism and became a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness and animal welfare.

Early life and family

Born in Washington, D.C., she was raised primarily in Alexandria, Virginia, and later Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her father served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. Her family includes three older brothers: Michael Gerald Ford, John "Jack" Gardner Ford, and Steven Meigs Ford. Her life changed dramatically in August 1974 when her father assumed the presidency following the resignation of Richard Nixon. At age seventeen, she moved into the White House, where she completed her senior year of high school. During this period, her mother's public disclosure of her battle with breast cancer and advocacy through the Betty Ford Center profoundly influenced her future work. Her high school graduation ceremony was held on the South Lawn of the White House, a rare event hosted by her parents.

Education and career

She attended the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland, for her final year of secondary education. She initially studied at Montreat College in North Carolina before transferring to Kansas State University, but left to pursue a professional opportunity. She developed a career in photojournalism, working for publications such as the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Arizona Republic. She later served as a contributing editor and photographer for ABC News in New York City and covered significant events, including the 1984 Republican National Convention. She co-authored a mystery novel, *Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery*, with author Nellie Blessing-Ell. She also served on the board of directors for the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California.

Public life and advocacy

Following her mother's example, she has been a dedicated advocate for breast cancer awareness, frequently speaking at events for organizations like the Susan G. Komen foundation. She has also been a strong proponent of animal welfare, supporting the work of the American Humane Association and legislation for the protection of pets during disasters. During her time as a White House resident, she served as the official hostess for several events when her mother was unable to do so, including a state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II. She has remained involved in the activities of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Personal life

In 1979, she married Charles Vance, a Secret Service agent she met during her father's presidency; they divorced in 1988. She married her second husband, Vaden Bales, in 1989, and they have two children. The family has lived primarily in Oklahoma and Texas, maintaining a relatively private life away from the national political scene. She is an avid equestrian and has participated in combined driving competitions. Her interests also include photography, writing, and supporting various charitable causes related to health and animals.

Legacy and honors

She is recognized for continuing the legacy of her mother's groundbreaking advocacy in women's health, particularly in normalizing conversations about breast cancer. Her work in photojournalism provided a unique perspective from a member of a First Family operating within a professional media context. In 1999, she was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the Board of Directors of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She has been honored by various civic and health organizations for her philanthropic efforts and continues to be associated with the preservation of her family's historical legacy at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

Category:American women photographers Category:American photojournalists Category:Children of presidents of the United States Category:1957 births Category:Living people