Ryan White: My Own Story

by Ryan White, Ann Marie Cunningham, Jeanne White (Afterword)

A touching tale of a courageous young man, his battle against fear and hatred, and his fight to educate the public about AIDS. "A story of tragedy and courage that should be reade by all."—Dallas Morning News.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Audiobook, Medical

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Ryan Wayne White was an American teenager, who became a national poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States after failing to be re-admitted to school following an AIDS diagnosis. As a hemophiliac, he became infected with HIV from a contaminated blood treatment and, when diagnosed in December 1984, was given six months to live. Doctors said he posed no risk to other students, but AIDS was poorly understood by the general public at the time. When Ryan tried to return to school, many parents and teachers in Howard County rallied against his attendance due to concerns of the disease spreading through bodily fluid transfer. A lengthy administrative appeal process ensued, and news of the conflict turned Ryan into a popular celebrity and advocate for AIDS research and public education. Surprising his doctors, Ryan White lived five years longer than predicted but died in April 1990, one month before his high school graduation.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Ryan White and his mother as he was working the circuit, raising AIDS awareness. AIDS wasn't well understood or even very well known about at all (some people had never heard of it) - it was at CBS, where my stepfather worked for the CBS Morning News at the time. I happened to go in to work with him that day and Ryan and Mrs. White were there to do an interview. Before he was brought into the studio, everyone on the set was informed that the child about to do an interview had AIDS. Every person was offered the option of staying for the shoot or setting up their equipment and exiting the studio during the interview. I was appalled that nearly every person walked out of the room. That broke my heart and that experience has always stayed with me. I was a handful of years older than Ryan (and young myself, at the time), but he impressed me so greatly! He carried himself with such dignity and was so mature, so brave, and so at ease in his own skin. When this book came out, I knew I had to read it. Almost like an obligation (which I was happy to fulfill). An amazing child, an amazing story - well worth the read.

[Bon Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking reminder on what's important in life. Books like this always put my own problems in perspective.

[That One Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan writes his journey with such optimism, hope and determination, you'd think he hadn't been living with a fatal disease when he wrote this.

His is a story of someone thrust into the spotlight and a fame he never wanted for a disease he never deserved. Reading the way he continued to stay strong, tell himself he would be okay, and pushed for further education on AIDS was inspiring and humbling to say the least.

Its a heartbreaking story, but Ryan wrote in such a way that I felt almost as optimistic as he was. He was too young to be having the fight he was towards acceptance and education on the disease, yet he fought regardless.

This wasn't an easy read, knowing the kind of judgment and hurt people he knew cast at him out of ignorance. But because of that, Ryan was national news and because of him, more people became educated on the disease. He became so important to so many!

Not an easy read, but a necessary one.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sad and powerful to read. This book is about an incredible boy named Ryan White who has AIDS. He had to go through a terrible phase where everybody around him treated him with disrespect just because he has AIDS. This just goes to show how cruel the world is today. Ryan is a very inspiring person because even though everybody treated him badly, he always kept positive and lived his life just like any other boy. He never took anything or anyone for granted and he died in happiness and peace.

Ryan White has touched me in so many ways. It amazes me how he fought through his diseases and how he lived his life. It makes me sad how the people around him treated him just because of his health problems. He's a individual just like any other. I hate when people disrespect one another just because they're different. I would recommend this book to anybody and everybody because people should acknowledge the way people treat each other just because of their difference.

[Jeanae Tyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn't a book, it was memory of a small soldier. I now have respect for Elton John more than before and (although I always loved him)...Michael Jackson. Ryan White was a great book and I actually thought about crying(but didn't). I gab it a 5 because he beat AIDS not with a cure or a process, he beat it by never giving up. So many people I know gave into the depression and heartache that came with AIDS. At such young age he fought for EVERYTHING and EVERY problem. He went to school, he fought to be equal. MY HERO. Ryan White lives on forever because a light like that can't die. It'll be a oxymoron.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I decided to pick up the book, My Own Story, By Ryan White, I felt that it was going to be an okay reading. Only when I started to read into the book, did I realize that I was reading a powerful one. The book is written from the first person perspective of a young teen named Ryan White. Ryan White is like any other kid, except for the fact that he has hemopholia and has AIDS. The story was a bit sad at some points because a lot of bad things were happening to Ryan. A particularly sad part was when the mother had first found out that her son had AIDS and mutually decided to tell her son after Chritmas to allow him one last fun period in his life. This moved me because I felt that whatever fun a person can have in that little time will be not enough. I also feel sad that Ryan did not know. Overall, the story focused on his life but also showed the strength he has and the people he knew.
This was a good read and is educational.

[Chana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed and cried my way all the way through it. Ryan is such a character and he just makes you laugh all the way through. He is so incredible; he accomplished so much! Not just in fighting the prejudice against people with AIDS, but in everything he did; skateboarding and acting, giving speeches, comforting and educating people who were scared of AIDS. At 16 he was driving his own car and working in a skate shop, after being told he probably had about 6 months to live when he was 13. I know plenty of 16 year old kids who don't accomplish driving and working at that age. This kid was never stopped by his body until the last two weeks of his life. He has a phenomenal mother, that was part of it, she is terrific, and so is his sister and his unmarried step dad. But sometimes a person is just really special and Ryan, even though he just wanted to be a normal kid, was really extraordinary. Less said about Kokomo the better I guess, but SNAP! Those idiots.

[Valerie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

After viewing his room and short story at Indianapolis children's museum I decided to read more, I remembered the tv and papers when I was younger but now wanted to learn more. I read the book and rarely put it down. Here I am 4 1/2 hours later and I am so motivated by this young mans life. He is a true hero, and I am vey glad I got to learn more of his story. I think more people should read this book so they to can understand what any prejudices do to people and families.

[3Malik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. Ryan had to go through a lot of persecution because he had aids. Ryan went to churches and they neglected him. Shows how cruel people can be even if they are suppose holy. Ryan died at a very young age. When he did many people attended his funeral including his close friend Elton John, but not to close.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

won from www.listia.com
this is a true story if you like true stories you should read this one

[Alicen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ignorance dies hard. But I guess it's going to take a lot longer than I ever dreamed."

I was deeply moved by reading this book. I worked for many years in HIV research, but I should have read this book decades ago. The way Ryan writes about fighting a disease we knew so little about at that point in time, in the face of a constant stream of fear, hatred, and ignorance, all while trying to just be a teenager was incredibly powerful. To think that if he were born today he would have a normal life expectancy and that his HIV diagnosis would not have robbed him of that life is truly heartbreaking. This book will stay with me for a very long time, and I would highly recommend it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of my favorite books since i was in 7th grade. I fell in love with Ryan and his not so beautiful story. Ryan White: My Own Story is a non fiction book about Ryan's life and struggles of having AIDS. Ryan White was born with hemophilia. Due to the fact Ryan had hemophilia the medical condition would bring him to the hospital quit often to receive blood transfusion.Ryan White was given a contaminated blood transfusion and contracted AIDS at the age of 13. Back when AIDS first came out people weren't educated enough about the disease and how it could be transmitted. Ryan was banned from attending school, neighbors and former friends avoided him and his family. Ryan had to move from cities to fight for the right to be educated, and to be treated like any other kid. Ryan White become known first kid with AIDS to speak out, fight back and win. Ryan was given 6 months to live after he was diagnosed with AIDS ... he lived for 5 years and died at the age of 18.

[Mary Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sad.

[Shaida Hossein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from a friend, and it took me a while to get into it. No matter the storyline was slow, Ryan's story is inspiring on so many levels. You always hear stories about children having to overcome adversity, well this was Ryan's life from the first day of his life. First he had to deal with the limitations that came with being a hemophilic. Then through his treatment for hemophilia he contracted full-blown AIDS. And if that wasn't enough obstacles for Ryan to overcome, he had to overcome people's ignorance and prejudices. At such a young age Ryan became an advocate and spoke to schools and conferences to educate. In today's media we are so overcome with the superficial things celebrities accomplished and do daily. However, in this story, you get to witness about the help celebrities (especially Elton John and Michael Jackson) did to boost Ryan's moral. It's book that is well worth your time, but I feel like it is one of those books you just need to be in the mood for in order to join. However, I am still in awe with the numerous things that Ryan was able to accomplish, in regrettably his short life.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea the amount of hate and prejudice Ryan White and his family endured over his AIDS diagnoses. It's unreal to me how cruel his community, neighbors, school and friends were to him and his family. I suppose they were just scared of this killer disease that no one had heard of before and was spreading throughout the world like an epidemic.

Ryan White is an amazing and inspiring individual. Despite his battling hemophilia and AIDS he kept a positive attitude and a deep love of life. He never took any day, anything or anyone for granted. He truly lived his life in happiness, love and peace.

[Elisha (lishie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan White came to my Jr. High in FL and I showed him around. I was asked to because I candy striped at a Pediatric Aids Ward In the hospital near me. We really got on well. He was so sweet and appreciated the fact that I was educated on the subject and hoped to educate others. I have done so by continuing from then and still now with volunteering and working for AIDS charities!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinated by the story, but the style of writing made it a slog to get through. Ryan was in his teens when he wrote this, and it was written FOR young teens, so I appreciate the juvenile nature of such serious ideas - but all the same - I think I'd prefer to read his mother or sister's biography. This all seemed very clean and simplified.

That said - heart-breaking.

[Shaionna beavers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Ryan White had an amazing story. He was a fighter to the end. He was a very loving child. Even with all the stuff on his plate, Ryan never gave up. People who know that their tend to be bitter but not him. He was very POSITIVE.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a good story and gave good background on how people used to treat people with AIDS. It was written by a child though so it's not a high quality of writing. Still a nice book to celebrate one young boy's life.

[Lamec Mariita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the story very touching.It can bring tears to your eyes. Because of Ryan White, new light has been shed on the entire AIDS issue. He was so brave.He is a true inspiration to all of us. I totally recommend the book.It's amazing.

[Buffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a teen & wanted to just wrap Ryan up in my arms & hug this poor kid! He faced so many challenges & did it with a grace we could all only pray to have. I remember hearing he died & being so sad. I still to this day admire Ryan, his mom, & sister!

[Princess Harmony Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this book gives account of how he was treated I try to recomend that all young people read it. It will show them how their actions hurt others and to watch what they say and do.

[Seneca Massie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one young man had enough courage and strength for 20 people his age and older. I wish there were more Ryan Whites out there and this world would be a better and more safe place to be.

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this in Jr high. What a sad story and a very sad ending.

[Gennesy Javier · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book ! and then in 8th grade i saw the movie , this is truly a sad story and he shouldve never been treated that way at all :/ rest in paradise Ryan White :[

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan White was born December 6, 1971, His life ended on April 8, 1990. I highly recommend this book.

[Elisa Bottesin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quante volte si può sentenziare una persona?

Il ricordo di Ryan White incrocia il mio destino attorno ai miei dieci anni, all'uscita del videoclip commemorativo "Gone Too Soon", contenuto nell'album "Dangerous" di Michael Jackson.
Cercai questo libro quest'anno, senza neppure contarci troppo, convinta non ci fosse nulla di scritto.
Ancora non esiste una versione digitale scritta, però si può scegliere una narrazione iTunes datata 2013, dalla voce dell'attore Lukas Haas adulto e del tuffatore olimpico Greg Louganis. Narrazione aggiornata dell'originaria audiocassetta.

Questo memoriale per mano di terzi, racconta per buona parte con l'onestà dell'età di chi ha vissuto quel Calvario, di quanto costa vedere la tua città diventare sociopatica, con manifestazioni chiare e per nulla rare di psicopatia. Con stampa inevitabilmente fuori controllo al seguito.
La causa è unica e spietata: la paura.

Ryan nasce emofiliaco, cioè il suo sangue impiega troppo tempo a coagularsi, perciò alla più insignificante ferita è a rischio di morte.
Dopo una delle tante iniezioni di sangue con agente coagulante naturale "Fattore VIII" gli viene diagnosticata l'AIDS, siamo alla fine del 1984. A quel tempo si aveva il pessimo costume di non controllare il sangue donato.
Si sa, l'essere umano chiude il recinto quando i buoi sono già scappati.

In questa storia senza neppure un ciglio di sensatezza, c'è, allora come oggi, un faro all'interno di una famiglia genuinamente affettuosa, cioè sua madre Jeanne.
Non tutti hanno questo privilegio, peggio quando la vita t'investe con tutta la sua violenza.
Lei gli ha permesso di conservare il motore della voglia di vivere, che ha potuto far diventare quei tre mesi di vita pronosticati, cinque anni e mezzo.
Qual è questo motore? Sanissimo nonché necessario orgoglio.
Fatico a credere agli eroi, credo però che l'amore di una madre che sa cosa fa una madre sia determinante.
Mi si chiedesse di scegliere una tra le tante qualità di questo giovane uomo (i suoi diciott'anni valgono almeno cento, i quarantenni del 2020 possono nascondersi al suo cospetto), sarebbe la sua vocazione alla genitorialità. Addolora in modo insopportabile vedere quante amebe siamo costretti a chiamar genitori, mentre a lui la sorte ha risposto nel modo in cui ha risposto.

Consiglio di fermarsi a conoscere questa storia solo a partire dalla maggiore età. Serve un inglese stabile, ma molto di più la consapevolezza di non potersi permettere l'atteggiamento da ospite in visita a Pufflandia.

[Rishmitha Koppuravuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

From where do I even find the right words to describe this book??
Ryan White to me is a gleaming beam of light. He suffered through so many prejudices that most of us would succumb to if we were in his shoes.
This story is not one of survival, it's not one of death, it's not one of those pity stories you read to make yourself feel better. This is the story of life, of hope and dreams that a person, a mere child achieves in spite of everything and everyone.
When one finds oneself in a compromising situation, that's when they know who their friends really are and Ryan White finds himself with not just Haemophilia but also the killer AIDS. Support to him and his family came from the most unlikely places. When his own town disowned him, the world accepted him with open arms. People who have their reputation on the line came down to be with him and hold his hand.
This story shows you that friendships can come from the most unlikely places. Who would've thought that Elton John and Michael Jackson would find a friend in Ryan White.
I am awed and inspired by the story of Ryan White. Shows you that with hope and friends, anything can be battled.
Towards the end of the book, I couldn't get myself to read the words, my eyes were blurred from all the tears and crying and believe me I don't cry easy.
My words would never do justice to the story of a person who touched millions of lives and continues to do so through his works. It is impossible to paraphrase the roller coaster of emotions and feelings this book stirred within me. You must read the book to make sense of anything that I'm trying to say.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story about a boy living with AIDS is written by the boy himself, Ryan White. "Ryan White: My Own Story", written by Ryan White and Ann Marie Cunningham, was one of the most inspiring books I have read. In the biography, Ryan White, a hemophiliac, is diagnosed with AIDS, a life threatening disease. When he was diagnosed, he was treated badly by the other people in his town. At the age of 13, he was already dealing with rumors and discrimination. All he wanted to do was go to school, but his school was too ignorant to see what the real situation was. He then chooses to make a difference. By spreading awareness to other people, he educates them about the disease. At first, this book to me was for research. Now that I have read it, I definitely believe that I made the right choice in choosing this as my book for the month. I recommend this book to everyone, because it was so inspirational seeing such a young person make a difference.

[Jessica Dunnell Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the first time in middle school. As "cancer girl" I really identified with Ryan's story to a degree. While I knew that nothing in life was guaranteed, I also knew that I was dealing with a type of childhood leukemia with the highest survivability rate. In that sense, Ryan's diagnosis and story put my situation in perspective. I have reread this book for the third time. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer with bone metastases at the age of 32 with a 14 month old daughter after an emergency spinal surgery. Even with a terminal diagnosis, I can still say that I am blessed because I am still here. I am currently going through chemo as I learned on my birthday that it had spread to my liver as well. It was devastating news. but once again, Ryan White inspires me. He inspires me to not give up...to fight...to have faith...and to live life. Thank you, Ryan, for who you were, and for your amazing courage and faith!