An AIDS activist who rose to global fame after speaking out about Oprah having the disease as a child has died aged 39, months after suffering organ failure.
Hydeia Broadbent rose to global fame at the age of 11 when she shared her heartbreaking story of being born with HIV and abandoned by her mother on Winfrey’s show in 1996.
The chat icon gushed and lost her composure for a few seconds while listening to Broadbent speak, and the touching moment became one of the most famous in the show’s history.
Broadbent had since become an HIV/AIDS advocate and spent her life addressing the stigma surrounding the virus, especially during the AIDS crisis in the United States in the 1990s, when that diagnosis meant certain death.
But on February 20, Loren Broadbent announced the death of her daughter on Facebook and said she had “remained determined to spread hope.”
According Kimberley R. McCoyBroadbent, a family member, was on dialysis and life support last year. A GoFundMe said his death was unexpected, suggesting Broadbent was recovering, but no further details have been shared about his cause of death.
Hydeia Broadbent rose to global fame in 1996 after appearing on Oprah to tell the star how she had been born with AIDS and abandoned with her mother.
Winfrey became emotional while listening to the then-11-year-old, and the touching moment became one of the most famous in the history of her chat show.
Hydeia Broadbent rose to global fame at the age of 11 when she shared her heartbreaking story of being diagnosed with HIV with Winfrey on her eponymous show in 1996.
But on February 20, Loren Broadbent announced her daughter’s death on Facebook and said she had “remained determined to spread hope.”
‘It is with great sadness that I must inform everyone that our dear friend, mentor and daughter, Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth.
“Despite facing 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 her birth mother, who was a drug addict, in Nevada as a child, Broadbent was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.
But when she was four years old, her parents discovered that she had been HIV positive since birth and had contracted AIDS.
Until the age of six, the girl accompanied her mother, a social worker, as she raised awareness about HIV, but soon after she began talking to people about the disease herself.
During her appearance on Oprah, Broadbent revealed that living with the disease was the hardest part of life for her and explained the problems it had caused her.
During her appearance on Oprah, Broadbent revealed that living with the disease was the hardest part of life for her and explained the problems it had caused her.
‘He had brain fungus, blood infections and pneumonia. I wore cold blue a couple of times and that was when I was five.
‘Many of my friends have died of AIDS. Because I have no other option. And I see so many people living recklessly. Simply risking their lives. At what point do we get it?
It’s not just about HIV and AIDS. We have to address a person’s mental state because if I don’t feel good 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 cry during the interview.
Years later, Broadbent revealed that she didn’t realize 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 gave me an All American Girl Addy doll. Last year when I appeared on Oprah’s Where Are They Now, the response was overwhelming.
‘I found it was one of the most requested updates by viewers. “A lot of people feel like they’ve seen me grow up and are excited to know that I’m okay and still talking,” the activist wrote on Instagram.
Years later, Broadbent revealed that she didn’t realize Winfrey had cried.
On her 34th birthday, Broadbent wrote a post on her website celebrating the milestone as a member of “the first generation of children born HIV positive.”
Her father has launched a GoFundMe for Broadbent to “lay her to rest.”
She was also 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 post on her website celebrating the milestone as a member of “the first generation of children born HIV positive.”
‘These last few years have been extremely difficult; fight against depression, which reached terrifying points.
‘A depression so dark I wasn’t sure how I would ever see the beauty of life again. I wasn’t sure how I would be able to get up. Now I have a new perspective, I can now see the blessings and lessons of my valley. ‘I am a warrior, I rise every day, with a purpose, while remaining a work in progress,’ she had written.
Her father has launched a GoFundMe for Broadbent to “lay her to rest.”
‘Hello, I’m Loren Broadbent, Hydeia Broadbent’s father. Yesterday afternoon Hydeia passed away unexpectedly. Our hearts are broken.
‘Hydeia spent her entire life from the age of five showing us all how to love, fight and defend those affected by HIV and AIDS. And as much as he wishes she were still here fighting the great battle, God called her home. Letting us all know. Work well done.
‘In honor of his memory, the family wishes to bury him. So right now we are asking for donations. Along with good wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance.’
crowdfunding page has raised $3,438 of its $20,000 goal.