Before tackling this sensitive subject the Disney Channel conducted extensive focus group research with parents on the topic of AIDS awareness. Among the findings were:
Parents reported that, despite extensive media coverage, they felt they are personally still very misinformed about AIDS.
Because they feel misinformed, many of these same parents reported that they have not found a way to discuss AIDS with their children but are looking for ways to do so.
Parents in the focus groups were leery about how TV specials would deal with AIDS and the subject of sex.
After viewing an advance copy of the production, I can honestly say that the Disney Channel has more than met these concerns. This special presents the subject matter in a way that is tasteful and non-exploitive.
Among the children profiled in the special are 14-year-old Hydeia, 12-year-old Stephanie and 11-year-old Chris. Each child handles the disease with amazing grace and dignity. While each is hopeful that a cure will be found, the most important thing in each of their lives is having friends and living each day to the fullest. In short, they are just like every other child.
Unfortunately, the prejudice that some children, and especially their parents, have about AIDS often makes having friends impossible for these kids. Asked during the film about his three biggest fears, Chris replies candidly, "Dying, afraid someone's going to bomb your house if you tell them, and losing friends."
Friends for Life: Living With Aids spotlights a number of positive things being done to help children cope with AIDS and to help others to learn to accept them. There is a summer camp for kids with AIDS called Camp Heartland. It is just like any other summer camp and the kids love it for that very reason.
A remarkable group called The CityKids Foundation is also profiled in the film. They provide a safe environment for kids to get together and try to help dispel many of the unnecessary fears about AIDS. Some of the children profiled in this special go out to other schools with the CityKids Foundation to talk to other kids about what it is like to have AIDS. They encourage the other kids to treat people who are HIV positive with kindness and respect.
