Remembering Broadbent, Early Children’s Inn Resident

An adult Broadbent waves to the audience as she steps back from a speaker's podium.

Hydeia Broadbent had served as an advocate for HIV/AIDS research since she was four years old.

A black and white photo showing a young Broadbent speaking into a microphone as several adults look on.

Broadbent at NIH in 1991 for the first anniversary celebration of the Children's Inn.

NIH mourns the passing of Hydeia Broadbent, who died Feb. 20 in Las Vegas, Nev., at age 39.

One of the first patients to stay at the Children’s Inn at NIH after it opened in 1990, Broadbent was 4 years old when she arrived at NIH as part of the first generation of HIV/AIDS research. She charmed the nation when she appeared alongside Magic Johnson in 1992 and four years later when she gave an interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Broadbent touched countless hearts with her resilience and spirit as a spokesperson for those living with HIV/AIDS.

In a Feb. 22 social media post, NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli acknowledged Broadbent’s impact, noting, “Hydeia…became a remarkable advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness. We honor her recent passing, remembering her courage and devotion to sharing information and spreading hope as lessons for us all.”