Fighting with HIV for 20 years: Magic Johnson
Watch Video
Play VideoHall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson made a shocking announcement in 1991. He told the world he had contracted HIV. Magics managed to live with the disease now for 20 years. Johnson spoke on the 20th anniversary of his announcement, talking about how HIV has affected his life and the lives of others.
20 years ago, when Earvin Magic Johnson stunned the world by announcing that he had HIV. Many thought it was an imminent death sentence for the former Lakers point guard. Retirement from the NBA was a small issue in comparison to the virus he contracted. Many in the public assumed at the time that Magics disease would soon turn into AIDS and he would lose his life. But two decades after his announcement he was become a symbol of treatment success.
his retirement after contracting the HIV virus, during a Magic
Johnson Foundation event in Los Angeles on Monday, Non. 7,
2011. Johnson shocked the world on Nov. 7, 1991, when he
revealed his HIV diagnosis. In the 20 years since, the Lakers
great's s! trong he alth and tireless work in AIDS awareness have
changed the world's perception of the disease.
Johnson said on the 20th anniversary of his announcement:"Here I am 20 years later. What a blessing. "
He held a press conference in Los Angeles to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of his HIV announcement and continue to raise awareness about the disease and treatment.
"Ive always led I dont know how to do anything else. I never thought I had to lead in the hiv and aids community and be the face of a disease that is deadly." He said on the press conference.
Many of Johnsons former coaches and teammates, as well as representatives for the Lakers organization and the NBA were on hand to support him.
Johnson said:"Im happy that Im here. I thank all of you for supporting me. A lot of you were right here when I announced 20 years ago. "
Johnson says hes managed to live a healthy life by taking a daily dose of pills to keep the virus under control.
He said:"I know Ive been blessed because theres been millions and millions of people who have died since I announced 20 years ago. And so this is a bitter sweet day. Yes Im living but people are still even today as we speak getting this virus. "
Through his charity, the Magic Johnson Foundation, he has raised millions of dollars to provide free HIV tests and medication to those who cant afford it.
Johnson says since his legacy is not just about basketball, Magic Johnson is hoping that during the next twenty years he can help to decrease the number of HIV cases in the inner cities and continue to educate people about the disease.
Comments