Mo. teen, injected with HIV by dad as baby, graduates high school

Brryan Jackson has been left out of birthday party invitations and asked not to use water fountains. His daily routine at one point included 23 pills, three IV medications and two injections. But the toughest part of growing up with AIDS for him may be knowing how he got it. When he was a baby, his father entered his hospital room and injected a syringe of HIV-tainted blood into his tiny body. At times during his childhood, he was expected to die.

Now 18, he’ll put on his black cap and gown Saturday and graduate from Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles, near St. Louis. Shielded from the public for much of his life since his father’s high-profile criminal trial a decade ago, Brryan is now an outspoken advocate for people with AIDS, and the power of faith and forgiveness.

To distance himself from his father — and to protect his identity growing up — Brryan changed his name from “Brian.” He has not been in contact with Stewart but said he has forgiven him.

“God wants us to forgive people,” he said. “Am I going to make myself as low as he is? … I’ve got to be the better person.”

Stewart, now 42, remains in a Missouri prison and is eligible for parole in two years. He declined to be interviewed for this story and said he did not wish to have an attorney comment on his behalf.

 

( It is truly  powerful when some one can forgive another for an evil act. Good for this young man. Read more of this story Mo. teen, injected with HIV by dad as baby, graduates high school and reaches out to others.)