Disbelief Is Replaced by Love

I am a long-distance runner whose specialty is the marathon. Five years ago, I got the same news Magic Johnson announced yesterday. Like Magic, I do not have the disease, but I carry in my bloodstream the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

Prior to learning of my status, I’d run six marathons. Since then, I’ve run 34 more, including this year’s L.A. Marathon, which I finished in 2 hours 54 minutes. Obviously, I’ve rejected “giving up” on life and all that it offers.

Magic must avoid defeatist attitudes at all costs, otherwise it’ll be more than his basketball career that’ll end quickly. Trust me, Magic, HIV is a manageable condition. Yours is still a long life to live.

RIC MUNOZ

West Hollywood