I was labeled a troublemaker, my mom an unfit mother, and I was not welcome anywhere.
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.
We began a series of court battles for nine months, while I was attending classes by telephone.
Rumors of sneezing, kissing, tears, sweat, and saliva spreading AIDS caused people to panic.
I received thousands of letters of support from all around the world, all because I wanted to go to school.
We had great faith that with patience, understanding, and education, that my family and I could be helpful in changing their minds and attitudes around.
I came face to face with death at thirteen years old.
Because of the lack of education on AIDS, discrimination, fear, panic, and lies surrounded me.
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.
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.
I believe in myself as I look forward to graduating from Hamilton Heights High School in 1991.
Given six months to live and being the fighter that I am, I set high goals for myself.
My name is Ryan White. I am sixteen years old. I have hemophilia, and I have AIDS.
The school I was going to said they had no guidelines for a person with AIDS.
My studies are important to me. I made the honor role just recently, with 2 A's and 2 B's.
Twice a week I would receive injections or IV's of Factor VIII which clotted the blood and then broke it down.
Entertainers, athletes, and stars started giving me support.
Financial hardships were rough on us, even though Mom had a good job at G.M.
A lot of my time was spent searching, thinking and planning my life.
Mayor Koch, of New York, was the first public figure to give me support.
