“All I ever wanted to be is a mom,” says Jeanne White-Ginder. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she became one of the nation’s most recognized moms as she stood alongside her son Ryan, one of her two children, as they fought for Ryan’s right to attend school after his diagnosis with AIDS.
Ryan told Jeanne shortly after his diagnosis that he wanted to return as soon as possible to a normal everyday life, including going to school and being with friends, and she was supportive of his wishes. A native of Kokomo, Indiana, Jeanne had lived her entire life in her hometown and was shocked by the determination of some of her fellow residents to keep Ryan out of school. Jeanne, however, was determined to help Ryan fulfill his dreams and his simple wish ultimately led to a significant battle that thrust him and his family into the national and international spotlight.
For well over a year, Ryan’s case moved through administrative hearings and the courts, and he ultimately won the right to attend school, though he was shunned and taunted by many of his peers upon his return. The family later moved to Cicero, Indiana, where they were embraced by the school and the community.
Throughout the ordeal, Ryan and his family maintained a positive and forgiving perspective. Ryan attributed much of his strength to his mom’s support and encouragement. In his 1988 testimony before the National Commission on AIDS, Ryan said “AIDS can destroy a family if you let it, but luckily for my sister and me, mom taught us to keep going. Don’t give up, be proud of who you are, and never feel sorry for yourself.”
Following Ryan’s death in 1990, Jeanne continued to dedicate herself to Ryan’s dream of easing the stigma and discrimination faced by so many people with HIV/AIDS. She still speaks to a vast array of audiences about her family’s experience and the role that Ryan played in opening so many hearts and minds. She also remains a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS programs, including the Ryan White CARE Act.
