An AIDS activist who rose to fame after speaking out about Oprah's illness as a little girl has died unexpectedly aged just 39.
Hydeia Broadbent shot to fame at the age of 11 when she told the Winfrey Show in 1996 her heartbreaking story of being born with HIV and abandoned by her mother.
The chat icon popped up and lost her composure for a few seconds as she listened to Broadbent's speech. This touching moment became one of the most famous in the show's history.
Since then, Broadbent has been committed to HIV/AIDS and has spent her life dealing with the stigmatization of the virus, particularly during the AIDS crisis in the United States in the 1990s, when such a diagnosis meant certain death.
But on February 20, Loren Broadbent announced his daughter's death on Facebook, saying she remained “determined to spread hope.”
Broadbent was on dialysis and life support last year, according to Kimberley R. McCoy, a family member.
A GoFundMe report said her death was unexpected, suggesting Broadbent was on the mend – but no further details about her cause of death were revealed.
Hydeia Broadbent shot to fame in 1996 after appearing on Oprah to tell the star how she was born with AIDS and abandoned by her mother
As Winfrey listened to the then 11-year-old, a touching moment occurred that became one of the most famous in the history of her talk show
Hydeia Broadbent shot to fame at the age of 11 when she shared her heartbreaking story of her HIV diagnosis with Winfrey on her eponymous show in 1996
But on February 20, Loren Broadbent announced his daughter's death on Facebook, saying she remained “determined to spread hope.”
“It is with great sadness that I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor and daughter Hydeia passed away today after living with AIDS since birth.
“Despite numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through HIV/AIDS education,” the sad father wrote on the social media site.
First diagnosed in 1981, AIDS killed almost everyone affected until effective retroviral drugs capable of suppressing HIV were developed in the mid-1990s.
Those affected cannot be cured, but they can lead normal, healthy lives – although they are at higher risk of diseases such as cancer.
It is unclear whether Broadbent's diagnosis contributed to her death.
Shortly after Broadbent was abandoned as an infant by her drug-addicted birth mother in Nevada, she was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.
But at the age of four, her parents discovered that she had been HIV-positive since birth and had contracted AIDS.
Until the age of six, the young child accompanied her mother, a social worker, to raise awareness about HIV, but soon began talking to people about the disease herself.
During her appearance on Oprah, Broadbent revealed that living with the disease has been the hardest part of her life and explained the problems it has caused her
During her appearance on Oprah, Broadbent revealed that living with the disease has been the hardest part of her life and explained the problems it has caused her.
“I had a fungus on my brain, blood infections and pneumonia. I turned cold blue a few times, and that was when I was five.
“Many of my friends died of AIDS. Because I have no choice. And I see so many people living recklessly. They are simply putting their lives at risk. At what point do we get it?
“You're not just dealing with HIV, AIDS.” “We have to deal with a person's psychological state, because if I'm not feeling well and I'm not happy and I don't want to get up, I'm not going to take these pills, um to save my life.”
After hearing this, Winfrey started to get better during the interview.
Years later, Broadbent revealed that she had not realized that Winfrey had been crying.
“I actually don’t remember her crying. I remember standing on stage after the show and spending time with her. She introduced me to her dogs and gave me an All American Girl Addy Doll. When I was featured on Oprah's “Where Are They Now” last year, the response was overwhelming.
“I found that I was one of the most requested updates from viewers.” “So many people feel like they've seen me grow up and are just excited to know that I'm doing well and that they still speaking out,” the activist wrote on Instagram.
Years later, Broadbent revealed that she had not realized that Winfrey had been crying
On her 34th birthday, Broadbent wrote a blog post on her website celebrating the milestone as someone from the “first generation of children born HIV positive.”
Her father started a GoFundMe for Broadbent to help put her to rest.
She also had a featured guest on Nickelodeon's “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” in 1992 to raise awareness among children.
On her 34th birthday, Broadbent wrote a blog post on her website celebrating the milestone as someone from the “first generation of children born HIV positive.”
“The last few years have been extremely difficult; struggles with depression that reaches frightening proportions.
“A depression so dark that I wasn't sure how I would see the beauty of life again.” I wasn't sure how I would pull myself back up. I now have a new perspective and can now see the blessings and lessons from my valley. “I am a warrior, I educate myself with purpose every day while I am still a work in progress,” she had written.
Her father started a GoFundMe for Broadbent to “put her to rest.”
“Hello, I am Loren Broadbent, the father of Hydeia Broadbent.” Hydeia passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon. Our hearts are broken.
“Hydeia has spent her entire life, since the age of five, showing us all how to love, fight and advocate for those affected by HIV and AIDS.” And as much as I wish she were still here fighting the great battle, God called them home. Let us all know. Well done.
“In honor of her memory, the family would like to lay her to rest.” We are therefore asking for donations at this time. Along with good wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance.'
The crowdfunding site has raised $3,438 of its $20,000 goal.