8th April 1990 - Michael's friend Ryan White, at the age of 18 loses his fight against the deadly disease, AIDS, after being comatosed for six days. Michael, who had become a close friend of Ryan's hears of the tragic loss whilst at the Taj Mahal Casino. He leaves immediately with Donald Trump to travel to Ryan's home in Indiana. Michael spends several hours inside the family home consoling Ryan's mother and sat next to her at Ryan's funeral.
Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 at the age of 13 after he received a tainted blood treatment for hemophilia.. At that time, AIDS was poorly understood, and despite doctors having said he posed no risk to other students, many parents and teachers rallied against his attendance when Ryan tried to return to school. Ryan and his mother were subjected to much ridicule in their community and even gunshots were fired at their home to try and force them leave. A lengthy legal battle with the school system ensued, and media coverage of the case made Ryan into a national celebrity and spokesman for AIDS research and public education.
Michael Jackson reached out to Ryan and befriended him in the late 80's. Ryan visited Neverland many times and they both shared a special bond. A year before he passed away, Michael gave Ryan a red Mustang, which was his favorite car. When Michael visited Jeanne, they went and sat in Ryans car, Michael started it and “Man in the Mirror” was playing. It was Ryan’s favorite song and the last song he heard in his car before he passed away. Michael and Elton John, together placed a beautiful black and white marble headstone, at Ryans resting place. Michael's side was embedded with a cross that holds Ryan's picture and says: "Gonna Make a difference, Gonna make it right - Friends forever, Michael Jackson"
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