April 8, 1990, Kokomo-native Ryan White died of complications of AIDS at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis; he was 18 yrs old. He passed away surrounded by his mother, grandparents & singer Elton John. An obituary published by the NYT noted that White "put the face of a child on AIDS & served as a leader for gaining greater understanding & compassion for those with the deadly disease." 1st Lady Barbara Bush, Jesse Jackson & Elton John attended his funeral at 2nd Presbyterian & a choir from Hamilton Heights sang "That’s What Friends Are For." Governor Evan Bayh ordered Statehouse flags to be flown at half-mast in his honor.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is currently administering the Ryan White Letter Transcription Project in an attempt to transcribe the over 6,000 letters received by Ryan & his family. If you would like to get involved learn more here: https://ryansletters.childrensmuseum.org/

Read more about Ryan White from PBS: https://to.pbs.org/2HbXou1