Ray brothers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ricky (1977 - December 13, 1992), Robert (1978 - October 20, 2000) and Randy Ray (b. 1979) were three hemophiliac brothers who were diagnosed with HIV in 1986. The sons of Arcadia, Florida, natives Louise and Clifford Ray, they were the subject of a federal court battle against the De Soto County School Board to allow the children to attend public school despite their diagnosis. Although the Rays were victorious in their legal battle, the Ray home was burned down a week after the 1987 decision, forcing the family into an exodus from Arcadia.

Ricky Ray died in 1992 at age 15. Robert was 22 when AIDS claimed him in 2000. Shortly thereafter, their father, Clifford Ray, attempted suicide. He credits Louise, a registered nurse and his wife of 32 years, for saving his life. Randy Ray, 28, lives in Orlando, and manages his HIV through medication. Their younger sister Candy, 26, also lives in Orlando. Between them and a foster son named Duke who resides in Lakeland, Clifford Ray says he and Louise have four grandchildren to enjoy.

The media coverage following the burning and activism of the Ray family is often considered a signal event in the history of AIDS in the United States.

[edit] Sources

[1] Miami Herald 1992/12/14: "Ricky Ray loses AIDS battle"
[2] St. Petersburg Times 2000/10/21: "Robert Ray, 22, succumbs to longtime AIDS struggle"
[3] Ibid 2001/9/2: "Slow change of heart"