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."