Mayor Koch, of New York, was the first public figure to give me support.

My name is Ryan White. I am sixteen years old. I have hemophilia, and I have AIDS.

Listening to medical facts was not enough. People wanted one hundred percent guarantees.

Entertainers, athletes, and stars started giving me support.

Mayor Koch, of New York, was the first public figure to give me support.

Rumors of sneezing, kissing, tears, sweat, and saliva spreading AIDS caused people to panic.

Because of the lack of education on AIDS, discrimination, fear, panic, and lies surrounded me.