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It's been 30 years since Indiana native Ryan White died of complications from AIDS. A hemophiliac, he contracted the virus through a blood transfusion. When diagnosed in 1984, he was given six months to live, but outdid that 10 times over.
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: Getty Images)
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: Getty Images)
He ended up becoming the public face of the virus after being kicked out of school over fears of the disease. He won the right to go back to school and became an advocate for AIDS research and education.
(: Getty Images)
(
: Getty Images)
He befriended celebrities like Michael Jackson and Elton John. Ryan also made regular appearances on popular talk shows and even had a TV movie made about his life.
(: Getty Images)
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: Getty Images)
In March 1990, Ryan was admitted to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. He died a little more than a week later. His funeral was standing-room only and was attended by First Lady Barbara Bush, Michael Jackson, Elton John and others.
(: Bettmann/CORBIS)
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: Bettmann/CORBIS)
His names lives on through The Ryan White CARE which is still in effect today. It provides federal funding for those living with HIV/AIDS. It was signed into law by President Bill Clinton and has been renewed by Presidents Bush and Obama.
Ryan is a permanent fixture at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis in the "Power of Children" exhibit. It includes an exact recreation of his childhood bedroom. His mom, Jeanne White-Ginder, still makes regular appearances there to talk about her son's life.
(: @TCMIndy)
(
: @TCMIndy)
