Hydeia Broadbent was an American HIV/AIDS activist who became known for her advocacy work from a very young age. Broadbent became a prominent figure in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly focusing on reducing stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 39 years
Height-N/A
Weight-N/A
Born- 14 June 1984
Birthplace-Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Death date- 20 February 2024
Spouse-Tyler Small
Profession-HIV/AIDS activism
Nationality- American
Cause of Death
Hydeia Broadbent, who dedicated her life to reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, has passed away at the age of 39. She gained prominence as a spokesperson for children living with AIDS, particularly in the African American community. Her father, Loren Broadbent, announced her sudden demise in a Facebook post on Tuesday, although he did not disclose the cause of death.
“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,” he said in the social media post. “Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS.”
Family
Hydeia Broadbent’s parents are Loren Broadbent and Patricia Broadbent. Initially taken in as a foster child, Hydeia was later adopted by Loren and Patricia. In 1987, the Broadbents received the news that Hydeia was HIV positive.
Husband
She married her childhood friend, Tyler Small, who also had AIDS. Despite such a prognosis, they decided to embark on their journey together.
Children
Hydeia Broadbent did not have any biological children of her own. However, she had a close relationship with her niece, whom she considered her own daughter. She frequently shared pictures of her niece on her social media platforms.
Career
Broadbent embarked on her activism journey at the tender age of 6, encouraged by Elizabeth Glaser, founder of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Their paths crossed during Broadbent’s treatment at the National Institutes of Health, where Glaser urged Broadbent’s mother to allow her to speak publicly about her HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Broadbent’s advocacy took her to various platforms, including AIDS benefit concerts, documentaries, college education events, and talk shows like the Oprah Winfrey Show, where she appeared in 1996. Recently, she revisited her story on Oprah’s Where Are They Now, fulfilling numerous requests from viewers. Notable moments in her activism include a Nickelodeon special alongside Magic Johnson, the establishment of the Hydeia L. Broadbent Foundation, and recognition with a Black Achievement Award from Jet magazine. She made impactful statements like “I am the future, and I have AIDS” at the 1996 Republican National Convention. Her family published a book in 2002 titled You Get Past The Tears, and they were featured on Extreme Home Makeover in 2004.
In 2014, Broadbent lent her voice to the Magic Johnson Foundation and other AIDS activist organizations, advocating for HIV/AIDS education, awareness, and fighting discrimination. She actively participated in screening drives alongside actress Jurnee Smollett and traveled extensively both nationally and internationally to share her story.
Broadbent managed her HIV with three antiretroviral pills daily, mostly self-funded, emphasizing that while HIV isn’t a death sentence, it’s a lifelong commitment. She hoped her advocacy would bring about positive change. Honored as an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Broadbent passed away on February 20, 2024, at the age of 39. In tribute, Magic Johnson shared a poignant video clip from a 1992 interview where Broadbent, then just 7 years old, expressed her desire for people to see those living with HIV/AIDS as normal individuals, a sentiment echoed by Johnson.
Net Worth
At the time of her passing, her net worth was estimated to be 4 million.
