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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Magic Johnson attends “To Kill A Mockingbird” Broadway Opening Night at Shubert Theatre on December 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Magic Johnson attends “To Kill A Mockingbird” Broadway Opening Night at Shubert Theatre on December 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Magic Johnson is a fighter. He announced his retirement from the league in 1991 after he was diagnosed with HIV. Since then, he has worked towards eradicating the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. Over the decades, his actions have been vital in educating people about the disease and changing their views on the virus. With the influence that he has, Magic is currently working on spreading awareness of RSV: A virus that is often fatal to elderly people.
He is trying to educate people about the disease and how it can be treated. During the campaign, Magic was asked about his life with HIV and his impact on people through his actions.
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Magic Johnson’s impact on the people
Jake Hamilton recently interviewed the Los Angeles Lakers legend during his ‘Sideline RSV’ campaign in Chicago. Hamilton asked Magic if he had any experiences where people came up to him to thank him for his work or tell him about his impact on their lives.

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LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 05: Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson delivers a keynote address at Global Gaming Expo on October 5, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Global Gaming Expo)
Magic replied that there are a lot of moments like those. Sometimes people say it in person, or sometimes they send him letters. He then went into various instances where people could come forward because of him.
Magic revealed that one person got the courage to tell their parents after they saw Magic coming forward and talking about his own condition. People have also told Magic that they got tested because of him, and that saved their lives.
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Magic said, “I love the fact that I can bring about change. If I could save anybody, then I want to do just that.” And that is what motivates him, and that is why he is now shedding light on ‘Sideline RSV‘. Magic wants to save as many people as he can.
Magic revealed that his actions were vital for many reasons. His stepping forward led to many people going and getting tested for the disease. Ultimately, Magic was able to raise 30 million dollars for various HIV and AIDS organizations.
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Magic’s fear when he was diagnosed
In 1991, Magic went through the toughest times in his life. He was diagnosed with HIV months after his marriage. People at the time were not kind to others with this disease. This led to them being estranged from the people and looking at them differently. Magic himself did not know the extent of his disease or how it would affect him. He was afraid when he first heard the news. But after meeting with the doctor and educating himself, he understood how to carry on with his life.
Magic revealed to Hamilton that what bothers him is that people often don’t go in for a check-up, so most of the time, diseases they have are left undetected until it’s too late. Magic talked about his own life situation and said that he detected his HIV early when he did a physical examination in 1991. This led to Magic taking the right medicines at an early stage.
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What do you think about Magic Johnson’s impact on society? Let us know in the comments!
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