First Lady Jill Biden was our guest speaker at our Annual First Ladies Luncheon on April 26, 2024, marking the first time a sitting first lady has joined us to keynote this event.
As First Lady, Dr. Biden has championed numerous efforts, including the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research to fundamentally change how our country approaches and funds research on women’s health. Dr. Biden’s participation was a perfect complement to this year’s lunch, which highlighted the 50th anniversary of Betty Ford’s breast cancer diagnosis and her 1974 candid conversations that changed the story of women's health in America.
Despite waking up without a voice on the morning of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s annual luncheon, Dr. Jill Biden still made the trip to Grand Rapids to be the keynote speaker.
When trying to decide her plan of action, the first lady asked herself, “What would Betty Ford do?“
The decision became obvious.
“So, I got myself up and got myself together,” Dr. Biden told the room.
Her presence and remarks were the heart of this year’s beautiful lunch.
The Ford thanks every guest who came and made this day special.
Watch the Program Here
Media Coverage of First Lady Jill Biden's Appearance
When
April 26, 2024
Program Supporters
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
