The Nation - News from Feb. 14, 1988

Ricky Ray, 11, the oldest of three hemophiliac brothers infected with the AIDS virus, has developed AIDS-related symptoms. The Ray family drew national attention when a judge ordered Florida’s DeSoto County schools to admit the three boys, but the family home was destroyed in a fire and they fled to Sarasota, where the boys now attend public schools. Ricky has not developed acquired immune deficiency syndrome or any other life-threatening illness, said Dr. Jerry Barbosa, a pediatric blood and cancer specialist at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. “He should be able to continue performing daily activities,” Barbosa said. “He doesn’t pose a threat to anyone. . . . “