Hudson Confirms He Has Disease (Press, 27 July 1985)
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Summary: Hudson Confirms He Has Disease (Press, 27 July 1985)
Rock Hudson, the prominent film and television star, has revealed that he is suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (A.I.D.S.), a diagnosis he received over a year ago. His spokeswoman, Yanou Collart, stated that Hudson is uncertain about how he contracted the disease, emphasising that no one around him is infected with A.I.D.S. In her announcement, Collart expressed that Hudson's decision to disclose his condition reflects his character. The actor sought medical advice from an A.I.D.S. specialist in Paris after falling ill at the Ritz Hotel, leading to his subsequent hospitalisation. President Ronald Reagan reached out to Hudson to extend his well-wishes, indicating that both he and First Lady Nancy Reagan were keeping the actor in their thoughts and prayers, according to White House spokesman Mark Weinberg. Experts from organisations concerned with A.I.D.S. have commented that Hudson's visibility may help raise public awareness about the disease, challenging existing myths and promoting open discussions. Ron Najman from the National Gay Task Force compared Hudson's situation to President Reagan's own past battle with colon cancer, suggesting that it could similarly illuminate the realities of A.I.D.S. Najman noted that the general populace is often fearful and misinformed about A.I.D.S. He expressed concern that some anti-gay groups have exploited this fear to justify discriminatory practices, such as prohibiting gay individuals from teaching or handling food. He strongly criticised these actions as an infringement on constitutional rights, lacking any medical basis. The hope among advocates is that the increase in awareness sparked by Hudson's case will prioritize factual information over misconceptions associated with A.I.D.S.
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