Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent HIV and AIDS activist, has died, per 9News. She was 39.
On Tuesday (February 20), Hydeia Broadbent's father, Loren, announced the death of his daughter in a Facebook post.
"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 father wrote. "Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS."
At a young age, Broadbent was abandoned by her mother, who was addicted to drugs. She was later adopted, and shortly before she turned four, her parents discovered she had been HIV-positive since birth, and had contracted AIDS.
Broadbent began to speak publicly about the disease at age 6. The young girl appeared on several TV programs, including Oprah, 20/20, Good Morning America, and Nickelodeon's A Conversation with Magic Johnson, where she aimed to introduce children and adults to AIDS without stigma.
"I just want people to know that we're just normal people," Broadbent, then-7, famously said on the Nickelodeon program.
Broadbent also spoke at the 1996 Republican National Convention, where she is quoted saying: "I am the future, and I have AIDS." Over the past few decades, Broadbent has continued to be a voice for those with AIDS.
Rest in peace, Hydeia Broadbent.
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