2 posts tagged “ryan white”
Cross posted from Woody's Blog
The Myers 2008 campaign unveiled our new campaign ad featuring the endorsement of Jeanne White-Ginder, the mother of internationally known AIDS activist Ryan White who died of complications from the disease in 1990. Dr. Myers played a pivotal role in bringing international attention to the cause of Ryan White returning to his classroom after being diagnosed with the virus after a blood transfusion for his hemophilia condition in 1984. You can watch the YouTube version of our ad below.
"When my son Ryan wanted to continue going to school, only one man in all of state government was brave enough to stand up for him. Ryan and I are both so grateful," said White-Gender. "With all that's wrong with our country, we need courageous people like Dr. Myers in Congress who will do what's right."
As Health Commissioner from 1985-1990, Dr. Myers championed Ryan's cause when his community turned against him. Diagnosed with HIV in 1984 from infected blood-based products, 13 year-old Ryan was told to leave his public school for the erroneous fear he would spread the virus through casual contact. At a time when HIV-AIDS was widely misunderstood, Dr. Myers boldly took on his role of Indiana's state's medical expert, educated Hoosiers on the nature of the virus and took action to bring a voice to a child who needed it most.
"I'm so honored Jeanne is helping out our campaign," said Myers. "She exemplifies the hope and courage of the people of Indianapolis. She serves as a role model in compassion and tenacity to our city and our nation."
The TV ad is debuting today and will be in rotation with our other ads on local stations. Jeanne White-Gender will be making appearances with Dr. Myers this weekend around Indianapolis. A full schedule of events this weekend will be released in advance.