7 Year Old HIV AIDS Survivor Changed Magic Johnson’s Life Forever

Magic Johnson made his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on October 12, 1979. Magic spun his magic on the league right from the start of his career. He won his first NBA title in his rookie season. Even before that he showed promise of greatness in his college days. He won the NCAA championships with Michigan State University in 1979 for which he also won the Final Four outstanding award.

In the NBA, Magic won practically everything, and that too more than once. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006 and he won the NBA lifetime achievement award in 2019.

An illustrious career of Magic Johnson was unfortunately cut short. He played in the NBA for 15 seasons. He had a gap of 4 seasons before he made a comeback for one last season with the Lakers in the 1995-96 season.

ALSO READ: Most emotional story of the NBA with Magic and Isiah Thomas.

In 1991, Magic was diagnosed with AIDS. He could not play for four seasons after being HIV+. The times were tough then, and it was not easy for someone of that fame to show that much courage. But Magic publicly announced his illness. However, he also needed some help in order to have that courage.

How a 7 year old inspired Magic Johnson

Magic, in 1991 needed the inspiration to announce this because of the stereotypes. Although it should not be something for which a person has to gather courage yet it was like that at the time. People widely commended his bravery in making this announcement. But one little girl who had all the strength inspired him. Hydeia Broadbent was 7 when she had her Magic moment. She was a tiny grade-schooler. He was one of the world’s greatest basketball players. 

“I want people to know,” Hydeia said, sniffling, “that we’re just normal people.”

“Aww, you don’t have to cry,” Johnson replied, “because we are normal people. OK? We are.”

That scene was captured as part of a Nickelodeon AIDS special 20 years ago to inform America’s youth that the disease could affect anyone.

Twenty years after their first encounter, both continue to be pivotal voices for those with HIV. Magic still keeps her in high regard. “Hydeia means the world to me,” Johnson said.

“When I first met her 20 years ago and saw how emotional and devastated she was by the treatment she was getting from other people, it just broke my heart into pieces. That very moment was both sad and inspirational. It made me want to do more to bring awareness to the disease and educate people so that no one would have to feel the way she did that day.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Magic Johnson’s son EJ.

Magic has been an advocate for HIV illness in his retirement and as a motivational speaker, he has done an amazing job spreading awareness and dispelling stereotypes.