Ryan Lewis – the hip hop producer best known for his work with Macklemore – revealed today that his mother is HIV positive.
Lewis made the announcement today via Twitter in a statement that also includes a link to donate to the 30/30 Project – an HIV/AIDS research charity that he founded with help from Macklemore.
In his statement, the Grammy winner revealed that his mother contracted the illness after receiving a blood transfusion in 1984.
At that time, little was known about HIV and Julie Lewis’ prognosis was grim. She pulled through, however, and the name of Ryan’s foundation is a tribute to his mother’s 30 years of survival.
Lewis concluded his statement by saying, “I am honored to be the first donor to the 30/30 Project…I am asking you to join my family and see how far we can take this.”
AIDS research has progressed significantly in recent years with doctors suggesting a cure for HIV may be possible in the near future. Naturally, further research is still required and treatment for current victims remains a pressing concern.
So while some hip hop stars busy themselves lint rolling their pants at basketball games, Ryan Lewis and Macklemore have clearly committed themselves to using their fame to promote an important and personal cause.