A Brief Biography

Although Betty understands that spreading the word about her efforts will bring more donations and allow her to help more people, she is a private person and loathes publicity about herself. She allows supporters to maintain the Betty’s Blue Angel Web site but cringes when people proclaim her “a living saint,” insisting that the emphasis be on those she helps and on what they need. In keeping with her wishes, we present only the biographical information that can already be found on her Web site and the media links therein:

Born in China, the daughter of successful physicians, Betty became homeless after the Cultural Revolution targeted her parents. Her father escaped, but the Communists threw her mother in prison. Betty, just seven, lived on the streets for the next four years. The Red Guards forced her to wear a sign around her neck: “Child of the Devil.”

Hunger gnawing, the little girl begged for food, only to be shunned. The shock of losing her parents and barely surviving on the streets traumatized her so much that by the time she escaped to Hong Kong—walking 1,600 miles in the process—she had become mute.

Betty eventually made her way to the United States and a new life in Eureka. She regained her voice and learned English, with Sesame Street providing some of her first lessons. She married Leung Chinn, a physics professor (now retired) at Humboldt State University. They raised two fine sons, both successful professionals.

On October 22, 2008, Maria Shriver presented Chinn with a Minerva Award at the California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women in Long Beach.

The Minerva Awards are named for the Roman goddess of wisdom and justice, who symbolizes the dual nature of women as both warriors and peacemakers.

Shriver, in Betty’s award notification letter, observed, ”Minervas are idealists, pragmatists, and are devoted to service. They face challenges and yet continue to endure in spite of them. You embody that spirit of Minerva and were selected from over 100 nominees, all of whom are incredible women of California and beyond.”

At the award ceremony, Shriver said that while Betty’s operation is “small and simple, it’s impact is powerful and profound,” reminding everyone “what one person, with a big heart and deep dedication, can achieve. Take a look at Betty Chinn.”