Aids Changed Elton John's Life

By Cara

Friday, April 30, 2010, 12:07

Sir Elton John has revealed that an American teenager, who died of Aids in 1990 made a lot of change to his life. The teenager's death inspired him to become sober and calm in life. Ryan White (18) passed away after suffering from HIV for five long years.

The singer met the boy after he was banned from a central Indiana school at the age of 13, because of being HIV positive. White"s case had drawn public attention to HIV/Aids education and the plight of children with HIV in the 1980s.

Elton John was present at Riley Children's Hospital when White passed away. He was a pallbearer at the funeral.

Now, the 'Candle in the Wind" hit maker will perform in a benefit event in Indianapolis, marking the 20th anniversary of White"s death.

"It was one of the greatest things in my life to meet Ryan's family, to be there with him in his last few days, and then for that wonderful message that he gave me to change my life around," said the singer.

The funds raised will be forwarded to Elton John Aids Foundation and the Indianapolis Children's Museum's Power of Children exhibit.