HIV-AIDS advocate dies at 39

American HIV-AIDS advocate Hydeia Broadbent, who has raised awareness of the disease since childhood, has died at the age of 39.

Broadbent was abandoned at a Las Vegas hospital by her biological mother when she was only six weeks old, but shot to fame when she appeared on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ as a child, bravely sharing her experience living with the disease.

“It is with profound sorrow that I share the passing of our cherished friend, mentor, and daughter, Hydeia.

“She departed today after bravely confronting AIDS since birth.

“Despite enduring a myriad challenges throughout her journey, Hydeia remained steadfast in her mission to spread hope and enlightenment through HIV-AIDS education,” a statement reads.