Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1983. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The New York Times - June 14, 1983
Lindsey Gruson
The store manager, 27-year-old Ken Ramsauer, who was also a freelance lighting designer, died of cancer linked to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome on May 23, less than a year after doctors diagnosed his malady and four days after ABC broadcast an interview with him conducted by Geraldo Rivera as a part of a special segment on AIDS.
"Kenny Ramsauer wanted the people of New York and of this country to learn about the disease," Mr. Rivera said in a eulogy last night. "He wanted society to know the discrimination and negative publicity that has allowed this disease a mortal head start."
Many spokesmen for groups trying to help people afflicted by AIDS have charged that employers, landlords and funeral homes routinely discriminate against victims of AIDS, which most often strikes homosexuals, intravenous drug users, Haitians and people who have received transfusions of blood from AIDS victims. Transfusions Investigated
Blood transfusions given a 55-year-old Long Island woman when she had heart surgery several years ago were being investigated yesterday as a possible source of AIDS, which it is believed led to her death last Thursday, the state Department of Health said last night.
"Absent any other indicator, it's something we're looking at," said Peter Slocum, a Health Department spokesman, said in reference to the death of Lorraine DeSantis of Hempstead. "She received a lot of blood. But we really don't know at this point."
Mrs. DeSantis died of a form of pneumonia commonly associated with AIDS, and doctors attending her have stated that her other symptoms were similar to known AIDS victims.
Scientists have not discovered exactly how AIDS is transmitted. As a result, many people have taken steps to limit contact with its victims.
In a speech to begin the memorial service at the Bandstand, Mayor Koch announced that the city would prosecute any business or person that discriminated against AIDS victims if such discrimination is found to be illegal.
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