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Ryan Lewis honors mom on World AIDS Day

Written by . Published: December 02 2014

Grammy Award-winning producer Ryan Lewis paid a touching tribute to his mom, who is HIV-positive, in honor of World AIDS Day on Monday (01Dec14).


Macklemore's frequent collaborator has long been a supporter of HIV/AIDS charities since his mom was diagnosed with the virus in 1984 after receiving a blood transfusion.


Lewis took to Instagram.com on Monday to not only acknowledge his mom's unwavering battle, but the millions of others around the world who have also been affected by the disease.


He wrote, "When my mom was diagnosed with HIV, doctors only gave her a few years to live. I was 6 years old. 30 years later she is still alive. She's alive because she's strong and has always been a fighter. And she's alive because she had access to medicine and care that can manage her disease. She's been lucky.


"Today, on World AIDS Day, we remember the 39 million people who have died from AIDS since the disease was first recognized in the early 1980's. And for the 35 million people still living with HIV or AIDS, we continue to work for better access to the medicine and treatment that too many go without. If we can help people across the world get the kind of medicine and care that my mom has received, we can change lives."


In April (14), Lewis launched a fundraising campaign called the 30/30 Project to build health centers around the world for those living with HIV and AIDS. Through the money donated to the cause, they have built five clinics, including a new one opening in Neno, Malawi, the progress of which was shared in the accompanying video on Instagram.


Lewis first revealed his mother was HIV positive in a 2013 Rolling Stone interview, during which he revealed the lawsuit over the transfusion put him through college.

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