EIL Intercultural Learning

Ricky (1977-1992), Robert (1978-2000) and Randy (1979) were three brothers from Arcadia, Florida. All three were haemophiliacs who were diagnosed with HIV in 1986. It is thought that the boys had been exposed to the virus through the transfusion of blood products administered to treat their haemophilia.

In 1986, the brothers were prohibited from attending class, after the local school board had been notified of their condition. The Rays had then sued, citing doctors who said the boys posed no threat to other children. Almost a year later, a federal judge ordered the boys be readmitted to school.

After the Ray family won the court case, a week of bomb and death threats ensued. Although the Rays were victorious in their legal battle, the Ray home was burned down a week after the 1987 decision, forcing the family to leave their hometown.

Ricky died in 1992, aged 15. Robert was 22 when he passed away in 2000. Their father, Clifford Ray, attempted suicide after succumbing to the ordeal but is doing fine now. Randy Ray, who will be 29 this year, lives in Orlando, and manages his HIV through medication. His younger sister Candy, 26, also lives in Orlando. 

The "Ricky Ray Haemophilia Relief Fund Act" was established to offer compensation to people with haemophilia who were infected with HIV through contaminated blood products between 1982-1987.

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