Supported Barbra's Efforts with The Special Olympics

December 26, 2006
Gerald R. Ford, 38th president of the United States passed away today at the age of 93. Ford maintained the dubious distinction of being the only president in history not to have been elected to office, assuming the presidency in 1974 following Richard Nixon's resignation. Shortly after taking office, Ford pardoned Nixon, a move that allowed the country to recover from the Watergate scandal, but one that ultimately cost him the national election in 1976. When the history books are written, the real Ford legacy will be that of his wife's very public struggles with her most personal of issues. As a breast cancer survivor, Betty Ford was candid about her illness, and probably saved countless lives by promoting breast cancer awareness. Mrs. Ford also struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and is the founder of the Betty Ford Clinic.

Barbra Streisand met President Ford on March 9, 1975 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. She was in the nation's capital for several public appearances in support of The Special Olympics, and performed on stage in a live benefit concert, "Funny Girl to Funny Lady" which was broadcast nationwide.