"Living with HIV for 33 years" - Magic Johnson shares heartfelt tribute on World AIDS Day, honoring victims and survivors
It has been over three decades since NBA legend Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV. On Sunday, also World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), the LA Lakers legend made a post on his X where he opened up about the disease.
"Today, on World AIDS Day, I take a moment to reflect on my journey living with HIV for 33 years," Johnson wrote. "It’s been a long road, but I’m healthy and stronger than ever due to the medical advancements, research, and work of those in the HIV/AIDS community! I want to thank all the doctors, scientists, and everyone who’s contributed to the HIV/AIDS fight.
"We've come a long way, but there’s still a lot of work to do—especially when it comes to finding a cure and fighting the stigma that still affects so many, specifically in marginalized communities. Let’s honor those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDs and work to support those still fighting!"
This is not the first time that Magic Johnson has made a post on World AIDS Day. The NBA legend makes a post every year and continues to raise awareness about the disease.
Magic Johnson recalls when he learned about his HIV diagnosis
It was before the 1991-92 season that Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV. When the Lakers were conducting physical checkups on players before the season, flags were raised.
The Lakers asked the team's physician, Dr. Michael Mellman, to deliver the news to Johnson, who was sent home by the team.
In a conversation with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King in 2021, Johnson said that when Mellman first gave him the news, it took him some time to believe.
"I'm asking him 100 times, 'Are you sure?'" Johnson said. "And they say, 'Hey, we ran the tests a couple of times, and yes, you do have HIV.' And so I just lost it right there, you know?"
However, a very difficult road lay ahead for the five-time NBA champion. Magic had to break the difficult news to his wife Cookie Johnson. Breaking the news to his wife meant admitting his infidelity.
"It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Johnson said.
However, for Cookie, nothing was more important than her husband's life. She was more worried that Magic could lose his life.
"It wasn't how he got it that was important to me. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' And that trumped everything," Cookie told CBS News.
Three decades later, Magic Johnson lives a healthy life with his wife and children. He later founded the Magic Johnson Foundation to add to the fight against the disease.