In 1996, an eleven-year-old Hydeia Broadbent captured America’s hearts and moved Oprah Winfrey to tears when she shared her tragic story of being diagnosed with HIV at birth.
By five, Broadbent said, she was suffering from symptoms of AIDS, including fungus in her brain, blood infections, and pneumonia.
“A lot of my friends have died of AIDS. Because I don’t have a choice. And I see so many people living recklessly. Just putting their lives on the line. At what point do we get it?” the little girl told Oprah 27 years ago. “You are not just dealing with HIV, AIDS. We have to address a person’s mental state because if I don’t feel good and I’m not happy and I don’t want to get out of bed, I’m not going to take these pills to save my life.”
Like so many watching from home, Oprah’s eyes filled with tears.
Back then, an AIDS diagnosis still meant your death was imminent, but Broadbent grew up to become an HIV/AIDS activist and one of the strongest voices to speak out about the stigma that comes with a diagnosis.
(Video: YouTube)
On Tuesday evening, February 20, Hydeia’s father, Loren Broadbent solemnly announced on Facebook that his daughter, at age 39, had passed away, reportedly from organ failure.
“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 grieving father wrote. “Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS.”
Loren set up a GoFundMe to help the family “lay her to rest.”
“Yesterday afternoon Hydeia unexpectedly passed away,” he wrote. “Our hearts are broken.”
“Hydeia spent her whole life since the age of five showing us all how to love, fight, and speak up for those affected with HIV and AIDS,” Loren continued. “And as much as I wish she was still here fighting the great fight, God called her home. Letting us all know. Job well done. In honor of her memory the family would like to lay her to rest. So at this time we are asking for donations. Along with well wishes and prayers.”
“We would like to thank you in advance,” the father told supporters. “Thank you, and let’s all keep her memory alive and continue the fight where she left off.”
Less than 24 hours after the fundraiser began, it had raised $12,562 of its $20,000 goal, as tributes to the beloved activist poured in.
“I was named after Hydeia and it truly saddens me she has passed away,” one donor wrote. “She put up a good fight all of her life! No more pain or discomfort, she is at peace now!”
“I will keep your name alive Hydeia,” the donor vowed. “Rest Peacefully Queen.”
On X, the great Magic Johnson, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1991, said Hydeia’s “powerful” voice will be missed.
(Video: YouTube)
“I’m devastated to hear about the passing of an incredible young woman, activist and hero Hydeia Broadbent,” Johnson wrote. “In 1992, I did a Nickelodeon special called ‘A Conversation with Magic’, and 7-year-old Hydeia and I made an incredible impact.”
“Hydeia changed the world with her bravery, speaking about how living with HIV affected her life since birth,” the basketball legend continued. “She dedicated her life to activism and became a change agent in the HIV/AIDS fight.”
“By speaking out at such a young age, she helped so many people, young and old, because she wasn’t afraid to share her story and allowed everyone to see that those living with HIV and AIDS were everyday people and should be treated with respect,” Magic wrote. “Thanks to Hydeia, millions were educated, stigmas were broken, and attitudes about HIV/AIDs were changed.
“We will miss her powerful voice in this world,” Johnson said. “Cookie and I are praying for the Broadbent family and everyone that knew and loved Hydeia.”
I’m devastated to hear about the passing of an incredible young woman, activist and hero Hydeia Broadbent. In 1992, I did a Nickelodeon special called “A Conversation with Magic”, and 7-year-old Hydeia and I made an incredible impact. Hydeia changed the world with her bravery,… pic.twitter.com/cwiohZTwbF
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 21, 2024
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Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
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