"Keeping a Child With AIDS From Becoming a Pariah"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Keeping a Child With AIDS From Becoming a Pariah"

New York Times (12/08/92), P. C15
O'Connor, John J.

Abstract: Tonight an AIDS docu-drama will air on HBO at 7:30 entitled "Blood Brothers: The Joey DiPaolo Story." The program is part of a fact-based series of half-hour dramas with the umbrella title of "Lifestories: Families in Crisis." The Joey DiPaolo story is fairly well-known. He was infected with HIV via a contaminated blood transfusion. Recently, Joey and his mother, Carol, who outspokenly refused to let him be treated as an outcast by educators and neighbors, have appeared extensively on news and talk shows, continually dispelling myths about people with AIDS. The story begins as Joey prepares to enter junior high school. He has AIDS and only the family knows about it. However, when he attends an AIDS benefit and his picture with football star Lawrence Taylor appears in the local papers, his secret is revealed. His best friends desert him--the same ones who wanted to be his blood brothers. Also, parents sign petitions to keep him out of school. The hysteria that transpires becomes overwhelming, until Joey's mother begins fighting back and shows no indication of letting up. The drama ends with an appearance of the real Joey and Carol DiPaolo. Joey says, "If you know someone with AIDS, don't be afraid of them. Be a friend."

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