In 1991 the face of the HIV virus changed. Pre-1991, homosexuals
were the face of HIV in the community and
it was always deadly. It was assumed and feared that HIV was contracted by
coughing, touching, sweat. That face changed on November 7th 1991. It was now
Magic Johnson. On Sunday night, ESPN film series launched 'The
Announcement', a powerfully human documentary that told the heartbreaking story
of Magic Johnson's battle with HIV.
On November 7th 1991, Magic Johnson announced to the world
that he will be retiring from the NBA due to contracting the HIV virus. In
1991, this was expected. If you have HIV you could not be involved in physical
and contact sports.
Early detection may have saved Magic's life. While
undergoing a routine physical, a requirement for his medical insurance at the
Lakers, the virus was detected. One week prior to this diagnosis he found out
that his wife, Cookie, was pregnant with their first child. They waited an
anxious 10 days to find out if Cookie was also HIV positive as this would, in
all likelihood, mean their baby would also have the virus. The result was
negative. He then announced his retirement.
A man who was a basketball legend, surrounded by friends and
loved by so many, suddenly found himself struggling to find a friend with whom
he could play one on one. It was clear HIV was still feared. The same stigma
was attached, no matter who had the virus. Magic openly discusses the
struggles he faced once he announced his illness and at no time says he regrets
his decision to publicly announce his illness. As he said "God gave this
virus to the right person". He saw himself as a person who could reach
people and educate about HIV. He couldn't remain silent; in his eyes he only
had one option. How powerful! And he hasn't stopped working since. Magic has
become a voice for HIV in the community, bridging the gap between knowledge and
assumptions, educating how it's transmitted. He is the powerful voice for safe
sex.
In 1992, after playing on the Barcelona Olympics Dream Team
with Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, Magic returned to the NBA playing for the
Lakers. This return launched the medical safety now adhered to by sporting
teams around the world: gloves to treat athletes and removal from the game when
a player sustains an injury that draws blood. He shortly left the NBA once more
due to protests by the public and other NBA players.
This man was alienated by so many and yet he continued to
work hard as an HIV activist. A strong, cheerful, bright positive personality
found his place in the
Magic Johnson Foundation and in Magic Enterprises. His foundation today has
established five full service HIV/AIDS Treatment Centers in economically
challenged, minority communities throughout the US. Magic's Foundation treats
1200 people each year. Since the foundation's launch, over 30,000 people have
been treated. He provides 'medicine, anti-retroviral therapy, testing,
counseling and ongoing disease management', and continues to educate and spread
the safe message to communities throughout the US each year. As Magic
said, God gave this to the right person. What an extraordinary man.
