Twice a week I would receive injections or IV’s of Factor VIII which clotted the blood and then broke it down.

I’m just one of the kids, and all because the students at Hamilton Heights High School listened to the facts, educated their parents and themselves, and believed in me.

My studies are important to me. I made the honor role just recently, with 2 A’s and 2 B’s.

AIDS can destroy a family if you let it, but luckily for my sister and me, Mom taught us to keep going. Don’t give up, be proud of who you are, and never feel sorry for yourself.

My studies are important to me. I made the honor role just recently, with 2 A's and 2 B's.

On December 17, 1984, I had surgery to remove two inches of my left lung due to pneumonia. After two hours of surgery the doctors told my mother I had AIDS.

The first five to six years of my life were spent in and out of the hospital.

I spent Christmas and the next thirty days in the hospital,

The desire to move into a bigger house, to avoid living AIDS daily, and a dream to be accepted by a community and school, became possible and a reality with a movie about my life, The Ryan White Story.

All in all I led a pretty normal life.