The Booty Report

Arr, a thousand thanks to Rosalynn Carter, who hath improved the lives of millions, be it near or far!

2023-11-23

Avast ye mateys! Lady Rosalynn Carter, a fine soul indeed, hath embarked on her final voyage on the 19th of November. At a ripe old age of 96, her heart brimmed with compassion for the less fortunate. Ahoy! I tip me hat, grateful for her blessed existence!

In December 1976, Rosalynn Carter approached me with a request to create a new office to assist her in her duties as the first lady. This marked the beginning of my nearly 50-year partnership with a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to aiding the most vulnerable members of society. She established the Office of Projects, Issues, and Research, a title that reflected her strong determination to make a meaningful impact as the first lady. I was honored to serve as its first director.

Rosalynn Carter's compassion for the weak, poor, and disenfranchised knew no bounds. Growing up in a small town during difficult times, she witnessed the importance of community support and the values instilled in her by her church. These experiences shaped her belief in kindness, love, and helping those in need.

Throughout her time in the White House and as a co-founder of The Carter Center, Rosalynn Carter tackled various issues with an ambitious agenda of improving mental health services and fostering a more caring society. Though her aspirations may have seemed grandiose to some, she mobilized significant resources to address these challenges.

I vividly remember a weekend in 1979 when she felt compelled to take action after seeing distressing news coverage of Cambodian refugees suffering in squalid camps. Within a week, she had visited the camps, organized a White House meeting to raise funds, and appealed to the United Nations for a relief coordinator. Her determination was evident as she shared a heartbreaking story of a deceased child she had held in her arms.

I also recall a visit to a Ghanaian village plagued by the Guinea worm parasite. Rosalynn Carter brought my attention to a young boy afflicted by the parasite, demonstrating the pain and suffering it caused. These experiences fueled her commitment to eradicating the worm and improving the lives of those affected.

Even after leaving the White House, Rosalynn Carter continued her advocacy work. I accompanied her to a local store where she thanked a friend for sending fresh vegetables to her and her husband. This visit highlighted a program led by Stuart Perry, a recovered individual who now supports those with mental illness. Rosalynn saw this program as a model for the nation, bringing hope to those struggling with mental health issues.

Rosalynn Carter's impact extended to her beloved Sumter County in Georgia, where she tirelessly worked to enhance mental health services for her community. Whether it was aiding people in recovery, providing monthly food assistance to a poor family, or supporting villagers in Ghana, she devoted herself to helping others and improving countless lives.

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