Susan Ford Bales

Susan Ford Bales is an American author, photojournalist, and public advocate whose work spans history, health, and public service. Bales is the only daughter of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and Betty Ford. During her high school years, she lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother's breast cancer surgery. Bales began her writing career as a teenager, contributing a column to Seventeen Magazine about life in the White House.

Bales studied photography with Ansel Adams and worked as a photojournalist for Associated Press, Newsweek, Money Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, Topeka Capital-Journal, and Omaha Sun. She was hired to shoot publicity stills for the film "Jaws 2," with her images featured in Ray Loynd's book "Jaws 2 Log." Drawing on her White House experience and photography background, Bales co-authored the novel "Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery" with Laura Hayden, followed by the sequel "Sharp Focus." These works offer a contemporary perspective on life in the White House.

Bales has advocated for breast cancer awareness and addiction recovery, causes closely connected to her family. After her mother's breast cancer diagnosis, Bales and Betty Ford helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bales has worked to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and illness, raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected by these challenges. She served on the Board of Directors of the Betty Ford Center and later as Chair of the Board. Her personal health experiences, including surviving sudden cardiac arrest and living with heart disease, have further informed her advocacy for health education and recovery resources.

Bales is the Ship's Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, the first woman to receive this distinction. She holds honorary doctorates in public service, letters, and humane letters. Bales is portrayed by Dakota Fanning in the Showtime television series "The First Lady."

In addition to her advocacy and public service, Bales serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy Trust, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and Global Ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She has received several awards, including the National Betty Ford Award from Susan G. Komen Foundation. Bales is recognized for her decades of work in health advocacy, public speaking, and service, contributing to national conversations on breast cancer, addiction recovery, and public health.