As the 25th anniversary of Ryan White’s death nears, the Indiana Historical Society plans to honor his legacy with the release of a new book, “The Quiet Hero: A Life of Ryan White.”

In 1985, global attention turned to the 13 year old White when his attempt to return to school after being diagnosed with AIDS from receiving contaminated blood-based products during hemophilia treatment was met with panic from school officials and parents.

The book, written by Nelson Price, details the battle waged by White and his mother to join his classmates and goes behind the scenes with stories from Price, who was a reporter for the Indianapolis News covering the controversy. Ryan passed away April 8, 1990.

An April 1 book launch event at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, will feature White’s mother, Jeanne White-Ginder, and good friend and Olympic diver Greg Louganis. Beginning at 6 p.m. with a reception and book signing, the evening will also include a panel discussion followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

Admission is free, but space is limited for the program. To reserve a seat, contact Kimberly Rohl at [email protected] or call (317) 233-5658. For more information on the Indiana Historical Society, visit www.indianahistory.org.

Source: WTHR