"'Life' Confronts AIDS"

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

"'Life' Confronts AIDS"

USA Today (12/18/92), P. 3D
Roush, Matt

Abstract: The ABC television program "Life Goes On," which features an HIV-positive character who is expected to develop AIDS, may be discontinued. Jesse McKenna (Chad Lowe) will develop AIDS in a four-episode story once scheduled for February. Michael Nankin said the AIDS arc is "the story the writing staff has champed at the bit to do," but it won't air on schedule. Although the schedule of the program is changing, creator Michael Braverman said, "They have promised to keep the AIDS arc intact. Even if only two people can watch." Jesse's story is based in part on the experience of Rod Garcia, a young HIV-infected man who has been advising the producers. Nankin said, "He pulled the tubes out of his body, went home from the hospital and has been healthy ever since. His story is one of a guy who took charge of his disease." Nankin added that Garcia discovered a holistic, macrobiotic approach. "His three-year anniversary is coming soon. He still has AIDS, but is symptom-free" said Nankin. Life's medical adviser from UCLA has warned that Garcia's evidence is anecdotal. "Rod Garcia is in a way a hero, and we wanted Jesse to be a hero in the same way.... We have to be responsible, but we also want to tell this story," said Nankin. The story starts with Jesse developing shingles and experiencing insurance problems while hospitalized. As he is transferred from a private to county hospital, he goes into cardiac arrest. Later, he meets a patient who encourages him to fight the disease. The episode ends as he calls his girlfriend Becca to get him out.

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