In 1985, 14 year old Ryan White just wanted to go to school like other teens. Unfortunately, he had the misunderstood and dreaded disease AIDS. At that time, other parents feared that Ryan would contaminate their children through casual contact during the school day. Further, most people who had the disease were gay men who were considered culpable for the spread of the disease. Therefore, Ryan’s school system barred him from attending school. Ryan and his family fought the school’s decision and won. Even after the order that Ryan be allowed to attend school, many continued to treat him viciously due to his disease.
In the process, Ryan became the “face” of AIDS for the entire nation. People, both celebrities and everyday folks, rallied to support Ryan. He conducted his life with dignity and grace. Most importantly, he was able to live as normal a life as possible under the circumstances until his death on April 8, 1990. In honor of the 25th anniversary of Ryan’s death, the Indiana Historical Society has published A Quiet Hero: A Life of Ryan White by Nelson Price. This book is the latest in the Indiana Historical Society’s series of Hoosier biographies. Talented profiler Price wrote the book to tell Ryan’s story in a manner that would interest and be appropriate for readers of all ages.
There will be a book signing at Bookmamas on Thursday, April 2 from 5:30-7 with Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White, and Nelson Price.
