Do you remember the story about a man who injected his son with HIV tainted blood to avoid paying child support? It made national headlines with people around the country following the trial of a laboratory worker named Brian Stewart. He was sentenced to life in prison for smuggling tainted blood into his 11 month old son's hospital room while his son was being treated for a respiratory illness.

The boy was diagnosed with full blown AIDS at age 5.

He is now 18 years old and preparing to graduate high school tomorrow. Brryan Jackson (that's not a typo, he spells his name with two r's) is a tall, funny, outgoing young man who is now focused on helping others.

On his 18th birthday in February, Brryan formed his own non-profit called "Hope is Vital." He wants to reach our to young people to educate them about the spread of HIV and AIDS. He also wants to tell his story in hopes of inspiring anyone who faces adversity.

Perhaps few understand what it means to defy the odds more than Brryan. At one point, Brryan was so ill and spent so much time in a hospital bed that his leg muscles wasted away. He had to learn to walk again.

While struggling to survive, Brryan also had to cope with the stigma of AIDS and the taunting that followed it. He was teased and at times, seen as a pariah. Through all that, Brryan developed a keen sense of humor and now uses it to break the ice.

Brryan has lobbied for more AIDS medical funding on capitol hill, he volunteers as a speaker for Project Kindle (a group that provides support for patients and families), and shares his story with health classes in hopes of preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.

How many of us can say we've accomplished that much in 18 years?

After meeting Brryan, it's clear he is inspired by his faith and his family. In particular, his mother Jennifer who instilled in him a desire to help others.

I asked Brryan where he wants to end up in ten years. His response? He'd like to go into politics or another line of work that will allow him to make a difference in people's lives.

I, for one, can't wait to see what's next for him.

To learn more about Brryan's non-profit organization, Hope is Vital, call 636-925-0340.
Or write to Brryan at PO BOX 261, St. Peters, MO 63376.

2 Comments

C.Lewis said:

What an Awesome story, it goes to show when you have faith in God all things are possible. I wish Brryan many blessings to come in life and that God continues to give the strength to change peoples minds and souls. What a wonderful young man.

June 5, 2009 10:14 PM

Precilla said:

This is one remarkable story. What this young man has gone through and the Faith that his family has given him is awesome. I want to say congratulations to Brryan to have accomplished what he has so far. Also, to his Mom, for the courage and strength that she must have had in order to get through the situations she has been faced with. I look forward to hearing of more accomplishments made by Brryan.

June 6, 2009 1:23 PM

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