Betty Grant
Cancer Patient
Throughout her life, Betty Grant has been a lot of things: a dancer, a
model, and even a good friend to Elvis Presley. But what she’s most
proud of being is a cancer survivor. “The Queen was there for me
during one of the most difficult times in my life."

Born and raised in Beverly Hills, California, Betty was always surrounded
by the Hollywood buzz. So it was no surprise that at an early age she
became an entertainer. She began her performing career as a Joy Healey
dancer and then tipped her hat at modeling as a Miss Edsel for the Ford
Company. But what Betty really enjoyed was dancing. Most evenings you
would find Betty doing the Charleston at the Roaring 20's on Reasturant
Row in Beverly Hills. It was during this time that Betty met and began
a friendship with Elvis Presley; a friendship that still holds a special
place in her heart.
In 1966, Betty lost a Sister to kidney cancer, and just last month her
other Sister passed away from lung cancer. Because of these experiences,
Betty devotes time to organizations whose mission it is to the fight cancer.
"I enjoy fund-raising, so that is what I would do. I found it a challenge
and I never back down from a challenge." In 1996, Betty would face
the biggest challenge of her life. She, too, was diagnosed with cancer.
True to form, Betty tackled the disease head on. "I'm not one
who is going to sit at home and not fight." Over the next four years,
a dedicated team of doctors and nurses at Queen of the Valley Medical
Center rallied round her as she underwent two major surgeries. Thankfully,
Betty has been cancer free since 2000. "I feel good. I thank God
everyday for my health."
Today, Betty enjoys making dolls and bears (a talent she developed as a
young girl), volunteering at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation
and participating in the Queen's Reach for the Stars fashion show
and luncheon. "Being a model in the fashion show gets me back into
show biz," she says with a smile. "I love it. I consider myself
very lucky to be part of such a wonderful event and hospital."