Hydeia Broadbent dies aged 39: Little girl who shot to global fame after bringing Oprah to tears by revealing she was born with AIDS, dies after suffering organ failure
A 39-year-old woman who suffered from AIDS since birth and once made Oprah Winfrey cry on air has died of organ failure.
Hydeia Broadbent became world famous at the age of 11 when she shared her heartbreaking story of being diagnosed with HIV with Winfrey at her namesake in 1996.
Since then, Broadbent had become an HIV/AIDS advocate and spent his life addressing the stigma surrounding 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 the death of his daughter d Facebook and said she had ‘remained determined to spread hope’.
According to Kimberley R. McCoya family member, Broadbent was on dialysis and on life support last year.
Hydeia Broadbent became world famous at the age of 11 when she shared her heartbreaking story of being diagnosed with HIV with Winfrey at her namesake in 1996.
Since then, Broadbent had become an HIV/AIDS advocate and spent his life addressing the stigma surrounding the virus, particularly during the AIDS crisis in the US in the 1990s, when such a diagnosis meant certain death
But on February 20, Loren Broadbent announced her daughter’s death on Facebook, saying she had ‘remained determined to spread hope’.
‘It is with great sadness that I have to tell 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 grieving father wrote on the social media page.
Shortly after being abandoned by his drug-addicted biological mother in Nevada as an infant, Broadbent 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 she was six years old, the toddler was with her mother, a social worker, as she raised HIV awareness, but soon after she started talking to people about the condition herself.
During her appearance on Oprah, Broadbent revealed that living with the disease was the hardest part of her life and explained the problems it had caused her
After hearing this, Winfrey began to well up during the interview
During her appearance on Oprah, Broadbent revealed that living with the disease was the hardest part of her life and explained the problems it had caused her.
‘I had fungus on the brain, blood infections and pneumonia. I got cold blue a few times and that was when I was five.
‘Many of my friends have died of AIDS. Because I have no choice. And I see so many people living recklessly. Just putting their lives on the line. At what point will we get it?
You are not only dealing with HIV, AIDS. We have to address a person’s mental state because if I’m not feeling well 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.’
After hearing this, Winfrey began to well up during the interview.
Years later, Broadbent revealed that she was unaware that Winfrey had cried.
‘I don’t actually remember her crying. I remember being on stage and spending time with her after the show. She introduced me to her dogs and she gave me an All American Girl Addy Doll. Last year, when I was on Oprah’s Where Are They Now, the response was overwhelming.
‘I found that I was one of the most requested updates by the viewers. So many people feel like they’ve seen me grow up and they’re just happy to know I’m fine and still speaking out,’ the activist had written on Instagram.
Years later, Broadbent revealed that she was unaware that Winfrey had cried
On her 34th birthday, Broadbent wrote a blog post on her website celebrating the milestone as one of ‘the first generation of children born HIV positive’
A GoFundMe for Broadbent has been launched by her father to ‘lay her to rest’
She also had a featured guest on ‘A Conversation with Magic Johnson’ on Nickelodeon in 1992 to raise awareness among children.
On her 34th birthday, Broadbent wrote a blog post on her website celebrating the milestone as one of ‘the first generation of children born HIV positive’.
‘The last few years have been extremely difficult; struggling with depression which reached frightening points.
‘A depression so dark that I wasn’t sure how I was going to see the beauty in life again. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pull myself back up. I now have a new vision, I am now able to see the blessing and the lesson from my valley. I am a warrior, I raise every day with goals while still a work in progress,’ she had written.
A GoFundMe for Broadbent has been launched by her father to ‘lay her to rest’.
‘Hi, I’m Loren Broadbent, father of Hydeia Broadbent. Yesterday afternoon, Hydeia died unexpectedly. Our hearts are broken.
‘Hydeia 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 was still here fighting the great battle, God called her home. Let 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 best wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance.’
The crowdfunding page has raised $3,438 of its $20,000 goal.