By KIM EASTON
Communications Manager, Indiana Historical Society

As the 25th anniversary of Ryan White’s death approaches, the Indiana Historical Society will honor his legacy with the release of a new IHS Press book, “The Quiet Hero: A Life of Ryan White” and a book launch event featuring his mother, Jeanne White-Ginder, and good friend and champion Olympic diver Greg Louganis. The event will take place Wednesday, April 1, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis.

In 1985, the eyes of the world turned to Indiana, as the 13-year-old Kokomo student attempted to join his fellow classmates at Western Middle School in Russiaville. However, his wish to return to school was met with panic by some school officials and parents as White had been diagnosed with AIDS after receiving contaminated blood-based products used to treat his hemophilia.

“The Quiet Hero: A Life of Ryan White,” written by Nelson Price with readers of all ages in mind, explores the courage White and his mother displayed in their battle to have him join his classmates. Price, who covered White’s controversy as a reporter and columnist for the Indianapolis News, goes behind the scenes and brings to light stories and individuals who might have been lost in the media spotlight that followed White until he passed away on April 8, 1990.

The book launch event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, with a reception and book signing with author Nelson Price, Jeanne White-Ginder and Greg Louganis. The evening will also include a panel discussion, which will feature Price, White-Ginder, Louganis and IHS President and CEO John A. Herbst, and be followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Space is limited for the program portion of the evening. To reserve a seat, contact Kimberly Rohl at [email protected] or (317) 233-5658. For more information on IHS books and programs, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

Related Article: The Quiet Hero: Ryan White Remembered