Magic Johnson's Wife in Public Eye on HIV Campaign  | Health News | Advocate.com

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July 08, 2008
Magic Johnson's Wife in Public Eye on HIV Campaign

Magic Johnson's normally publicity-shy wife, Cookie, is emerging as a spokeswoman in a campaign urging black women to get tested for HIV.

Cookie Johnson is appearing with the former Los Angeles Lakers star in a five-year, $60 million public service campaign with ads directed by moviemaker Spike Lee.

She was two months' pregnant when her husband tested positive for HIV in 1991.

The Henry J. Kaiser Foundation says almost a third of cases diagnosed among blacks in 2006 were women, double the rate for white women.

Cookie Johnson, who tested negative for the virus, says part of the black population still has the attitude that "it can't happen to me." (AP)

© 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Reader Comments

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  • Name: Angel
    Date posted: 2008-07-21 10:12 AM
    Hometown: Wwashington, D.C.

    Comment:

    That is so true!! Especially Black society. I don't know if it's that we are very ignorant to the Fact or we'rejust plain DUMB!! It can happen to you!! I'm living proof of it!! Although it's going on 2 yrs. since I was first diagnosed, I still have not had to take any medication!! ( THANK GOD) My thing is to get the knowledge and then help as many people as I can. Espcially the younger generation. They really don't have a clue. Talking is cheap . it takes to see someone especially someone they know to realize that it can happen to them. But as a society, are our kids ready to deal with that kind of stress. There're already dealing with problems daily from day to day living. Out here killing one another like it's the new thing to do. We always say get tested, but we better get prepared for all the negative results that are going to come with that. If yor're not strong minded you'll definately be in for a rude awakening!!!


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