Hydeia Broadbent was born with HIV and died of AIDS at the age of 39. She was a vocal supporter of both illnesses awareness and treatment. Her father, Loren Broadbent, posted a confirmation of her passing on Facebook.
“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor, and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth,” the message stated.
“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around HIV/AIDS.”
The activist was taken in by her parents, Loren and Patricia Broadbent, after being abandoned as a baby at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas.
As a newborn opiate addict, medical professionals doubted she would make it to the age of five. Broadbent was ultimately identified as HIV-positive at the age of three, despite having been afflicted with the virus since birth. In spite of all obstacles, she led a significant and gratifying existence.
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Broadbent began her professional life as an activist in her youth. On national platforms, including Oprah, 20/20, Good Morning America, and most notably a 2006 Nickelodeon special titled A Conversation with Magic Johnson, she candidly discussed her health journey.
Who Was Hydeia Broadbent?
Hydeia Broadbent was adopted when she was a young child, subsequent to her biological mother’s abandonment in Nevada due to drug addiction. Her family learned that she had contracted AIDS and been HIV-positive since birth, just prior to her fourth birthday.
Broadbent commenced her professional career as a public speaker and advocate for HIV/AIDS at the tender age of six. She had made appearances on national television programs such as “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “A Conversation With Magic Johnson” by the age of 12. At the time, her interview with Oprah had garnered considerable public interest.
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When Did Hydeia Broadbent Get Diagnosed With HIV?
When Hydeia Broadbent was three years old, she received an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The well-known campaigner, however, has been HIV/AIDS positive since infancy.
At the age of six, Broadbent began her activist path after sharing her story on national platforms and appearing in interviews with Magic Johnson and Oprah. She was chosen to speak at the Republican National Convention in 1996, and she boldly said, “I am the future, and I have AIDS.”
The Broadbents wrote a memoir of love and survival titled You Get Past The Tears, which was released in 2002. Along with other campaigners, Broadbent has also represented the Magic Johnson Foundation since 2014.