Ryan White - The Impact of Ryan White's Life

I remember the controversy surrounding Ryan White fight to attend school in Kokomo (north of Indianapolis, my hometown) after he found out he contracted HIV/AIDS from blood transfusion. I was in high school at the time. While talking to my cousin I remember we said, indeed he had the right to attend school, but both of us admit we understand the fear of the Kokomo students and their families. At the time, many people did not know much about HIV/AIDS as it is known now.

Time passed.

I really didn't realized that how much his activism involving HIV/AIDS education had impact my thinking.....until his death was announced on television. I remember sitting the college dorm and reflecting on how much his trails, tribulations (his fight on behalf of all AIDS/HIV-infected individuals) really cause me to be less fearful and more accepting of all people.

I truly mourn his death. His life continues to impact like 'a pebble-in-a-pond' i.e. generating ripples of hope.
This discussion hopefully will showcase the 'ripples of hope' as participants share their own personal impact of Ryan White's life.