WASHINGTON — Prominent AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent has died, her father confirmed in a social media post on Tuesday. She was 39.
In a post on Facebook, Loren Broadbent honored his daughter as a woman who "remained determined to spread hope."
"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," Loren Broadbent wrote. "Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS."
Broadbent was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent after being abandoned in Nevada by a mother addicted to drugs. Shortly before she turned four, her parents discovered she had been HIV-positive since birth, and had contracted AIDS.
By age six, Broadbent was speaking publicly about the disease, telling her story on a number of national television programs including "Oprah," "20/20," and "Good Morning America."
She was also a featured guest on "A Conversation with Magic Johnson" on Nickelodeon in 1992. The program, aimed at young children, was a teaching moment for many, and introduced them to AIDS without stigmatizing the disease.
"I just want people to know that we're just normal people," a seven-year-old Broadbent said in one of the program's most iconic moments, wiping tears from her eyes.
Broadbent spoke at the 1996 Republican National Convention, where she told the crowd "I am the future, and I have AIDS."
In 2002, Hydeia and her mother, Patricia Broadbent, published a book, "You Get Past the Tears," about the struggles they've faced and Hydeia's work in activism for the AIDS community.
For decades, Broadbent was a prominent voice for those with AIDS, as well as a motivational speaker.
Her family also appeared on a 2004 episode of the ABC reality show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." During the show, it was revealed that Patricia was battling cancer.