When Indiana teen Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS in the mid-1980s, there was still a lot of fear surrounding the disease. His struggle just to go to school was covered by media around the world, and as result Ryan made many friends through the publicity that surrounded him - people across the country sent him letters and gifts of encouragement, and Ryan was befriended by many celebrities drawn to his story. He was a highly effective spokesperson for AIDS awareness. Long after his death in April 1990, Ryan still serves as a symbol of the fight against AIDS.
Elton John gave Ryan this jacket that is now in the collection of The Children’s Museum, and it can currently be seen on display at the Indiana State Museum as part of Indiana in 200 Objects: A Bicentennial Celebration.