December 1 was World AIDS Day. According to the World AIDS Day website, it's a "global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS."
People has stood together on this day to "show strength and solidarity against the HIV stigma and to remember lives lost" since 1988.
Romeo found a way to honor one of their own who lost his life to AIDS back in 1994.
The front page of the July 6, 1994 issue of The Romeo Observer showcased this photo. It displays a bunch of red and white balloons being released outside of the Henry Malburg Funeral Home. But why? It was all to honor the life of Adam Russell.
Assistant News Editor Michelle Tanguay wrote that Adam Russell - a young man remembered "for his courage, strength and especially for his love of life" - died from complications arising from AIDS on Sunday, June 26. He was 14 years old.
Adam was a severe hemophiliac, and his mother Debbie Hartway mentioned that he contracted the virus from a blood product used to treat hemophilia. He was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1985, and he learned that he had AIDS in 1992.
The comparisons to Ryan White - the poster child of the HIV/AIDS fight - would have been made since Ryan died in 1990, but Adam proved that he was his own person. He made a point to spend time with friends and all members of his family. Also, he loved plants and holidays as well as working in his vegetable garden. Adam even wrote his own personal 10 commandments. The last read, "I Love My Life. Please don't ever forget that."
Right before he passed away, an anonymous donor sponsored money to start a softball team with the stipulation that it called "Adam's Friends." Adam's cousin Amy Aul coached the team, and he was able to attend their first game in the spring before his passing.
His funeral was held on Wednesday, June 29. As each person left the funeral home, they took a red or white balloon. When the last person arrived outside, the group released said balloons. They were a gift from Bannow Flowers.
According to the article, Debbie mentioned that there were three reasons why red and white were chosen as the balloon colors. The first was that the colors represent those of Romeo High School. It was her way of thanking the community for all of their support. The second was to pay homage the Detroit Red Wings - Adam's favorite team, and the third was that the colors were synonymous with AIDS awareness.
Debbie added that Adam loved balloons. The article ends with her saying that they symbolized his spirit and that he is free.
Adam's spirit remains free and is still remembered 30 years later.
To learn more about Adam Russell and Romeo's fight against HIV and AIDS, you can contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org or call (586) 690-4890.
Images and sources courtesy of the Romeo Community Archives; Melvin E. and Joan D. Bleich Collection, The Romeo Observer, July 6, 1994, p.1-A