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New Start For AIDS Foundation

The foundation named for the teenager who helped put a human face on the AIDS epidemic is shutting down.

Ryan White — a proven articulate young spokesman for people with AIDS — died in 1990 after a five-year battle with the disease.

White's mother — Jeanne White-Ginder — established the foundation in her son's name. Now she's starting another one along with the AIDS Action Group.

White-Ginder told CBS This Morning Co-Anchor Russ Mitchell she is energized about moving her foundation into increased national prominence by joining with the action group.

"I think we need to ensure that more and more young people are being educated and need to do more prevention efforts," White-Ginder said.


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Ryan White

AIDS Action Group Executive Director Daniel Zingale described White-Ginder as "the secret weapon of the AIDS advocacy movement" and said this move will give her an opportunity to move into an even more visible role.

"There is no one more powerful than Jeanne," Zingale said.

He said White-Ginder would be working with a group to issue a report card on how the U.S. is doing ten years after her son's death "in responding to AIDS, on research and prevention and in addressing the epidemic overseas where it threatens to bring down entire nations."

Zingale said every hour, two Americans are being infected with HIV.

He said White's mother will take that message to communities and to decision makers to say that's not acceptable and to give people the truth about HIV — particularly that there is no cure, contrary to the impression given off by some drug company advertisements.

White-Ginder said finding a cure for AIDS "would mean all the efforts that we've put forth have been worth it."

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