Ryan Lewis has revealed his mother, Julie Lewis, has been HIV positive since 1984.
Ryan Lewis, who collaborates with Macklemore, says his mother contracted HIV from a blood transfusion 30 years ago.
The 26-year-old singer made the revelation as he and Macklemore launched their 30/30 Project, which raises money for affordable healthcare around the world.
“In 1984, my mom gave birth to my older sister, Teresa,” Ryan Lewis said in a statement on the project’s website.
“Due to a complicated delivery, she needed a blood transfusion and at that moment, my mom had HIV+ blood put into her body.
“When she was finally diagnosed, she was given only a few years to live.”
Ryan Lewis also revealed that his mother did not know she had HIV when she was pregnant with him or his sister and they were fortunate to be born healthy despite a 25% risk of contracting it.
They are aiming to raise at least $100,000.
Explaining the name of the project Ryan Lewis added: “To honor the 30 years my mom has been a survivor, our family is raising funds to build health centers worldwide that will stand strong for at least 30 years.”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won best new artist and best rap performance for their UK number one single Thrift Shop at this year’s Grammy Awards.
The duo’s debut album, The Heist, went to number 19 and spent 48 weeks in the Official Album Chart.
Ryan Lewis closed the statement by saying: “With this amazing past year I’ve had, I am honored to be the first donor for the 30/30 Project, jumpstarting the construction of the first health centre in Malawi.
“I am asking you to join my family and see how far we can take this.”
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