Broadbent began her activism at age 6 , by speaking about living with HIV/AIDS . She first got involved with speaking on the subject through Elizabeth Glaser , creator of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation . The two met while Hydeia was undergoing treatment at the National Institutes of Health . Glaser asked Hydeia 's mother to let Hydeia speak publicly about having HIV/AIDS , and she acquiesced . Hydeia went on to speak at many events , including AIDS benefit concerts , documentaries , college campus education events , and talk shows . She appeared on the '' Oprah Winfrey Show '' in 1996 . Recently , she appeared on Oprah 's '' Where Are They Now '' , as she was one of the most-requested guests to be revisited . She appeared on a Nickelodeon special along with Magic Johnson . Two years after the special , she established the Hydeia L. Broadbent Foundation and received a Black Achievement Award from Jet magazine . She also appeared in '' Essence , '' and on '' The Maury Povich Show , Good Morning America , '' and at the 1996 Republican National Convention . At the Republican National Convention , she famously stated " I am the future , and I have AIDS . " In 2002 , her family published a book entitled '' You Get Past The Tears '' , and the family appeared in 2004 on '' Extreme Home Makeover . '' Broadbent currently speaks on the behalf of the Magic Johnson Foundation and other AIDS activist organizations in order to educate people about HIV/AIDS , raise awareness , and fight discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS . She also is involved in screening drives , along with actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell . Broadbent has traveled extensively both nationally and internationally to speak to others . Broadbent currently takes three antiretroviral pills a day , and the majority of her medical payments come out of pocket . According to her , " HIV is not a death sentence , but it 's a life sentence ... y ou 'll be taking pills forever , going to the doctor and fighting for insurance forever . " She hopes that by sharing her story , things will begin to change
1996 Republican National Convention
1996 Republican National Convention
Hydeia Broadbent