Health & Wellness
Family and friends celebrate Renee Covin’s Day & raise awareness on Lupus
Family and friends celebrated the life and legacy of a Renee’ Covin, a business woman and community activist, on August 18th.
Neptune, N.J. – On August 18th, family and friends celebrated the life and legacy of Renee Covin, an accountant, entrepreneur, and community activist.
About Renee Covin’s Day
Renee Covin’s Day was proclaimed on August 18, 2000, in the township of Neptune, N.J., by then mayor Kevin B. McMillian, after Renee passed away from complications of Lupus on August 14, 2000.
After years of acknowledging this day, Renee’s husband, daughter, and son thought it would be special to donate the proclamation, a picture, and story on who Renee’ Covin was, to the township’s public library.
The ceremony began with prayer led by Renee’s cousin, Kat Stokes, followed by a spiritual song by family friend, Kevin Cheatham. Renee’s daughter, Chenelle Covin, spoke about who her mother was and the long lasting legacy she left.
Reading from a framed paper, that will later be hanged at the library, Chenelle described her mother as a being an accountant, business woman, and community leader who also excelled academically. But a turn of events while in college would dramatically change Renee’s life – she found out she had Lupus.
Her story on lupus
Renee danced all the time especially doing the hustle. But she would eventually complain about her finger tips being sore and joints hurting so much every time she would dance. The music of the 70’s and 80’s were great and it seemed like everyone had dance fever. But for Renee, it was becoming more and more painful for her to dance. Renee never associated the pain that she was having with Lupus.
Learning about the disease
Renee first learned that she had Lupus the summer going into her junior year at Howard University. She was excited to be going back to the school of her dreams. Although the painful wart-like spots on her hands and the beginning of hair foliage did strike her funny, Renee never contributed these ailments to a devastating disease that almost took her life at the tender age of twenty.
The pain in her joints began to get worse and the small bald patches became big bald spots. She decided to take advantage of the free medical services offered by Howard University and spoke with a dermatologist. Her main concern was to learn the medical terminology for the dark patches that were present on her face and how they could be removed.
She explained to a Dr. Alexander, that since age 10, she had been seeing a dermatologist for her skin problem and have been going through a series of treatments to alleviate the problem. After listening to her story and examining Renee’s face, the doctor decided to take a “diagnostic guess” on her problem. He said “Ms. Logan, I think what you may have is called Lupus, but let me check.” He searched through a book. “Yes, I was right, you have Lupus.”
The impression that Renee got from his tone of voice and attitude was that she was supposed to give him a ‘star for the day for guessing one right’. But he never explained to her what Lupus was, and she was still under the impression that it was a skin disorder. She asked him about the possibility of derm abrasion, a process that removes the top layers of skin, but he advised her against it, due to the uniqueness and delicacy of Black skin, and the possible development of keloids.
Although he did advise her to use sample medicated ointments for her scalp and any upcoming rashes that may appear on her face, and to return in two weeks, he should have advised her on the severity of Lupus and exactly what it was.
Then after, Renee’s would have a courageous battle against Lupus.
Renee Covin’s Day celebrated
Renee passed away on August 14, 2000, at the tender age of 41 from complications of Lupus. Even on her last days, Renee had a great spirit for life and will to fight this disease. Renee became more involved in Lupus and even wanted to eventually go to medical school to do research on the disease.
“But one thing about my mother, she never let the grass grow underneath her feet and was a person that had many talents.” said Chenelle.
After her daughter graciously read about whom her mother was, Renee’s son Jamaal, revealed a portrait painted by Renee’s childhood friend Alcadio Laguer. The life-like painting made it feel like Renee was in the room.
Renee’s husband thanked the Director of the Neptune Township Public Library and the McMillian family for making this day a reality.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s natural defense system (immune system) attacks its own tissues instead of attacking foreign substance like bacteria and viruses. This causes inflammation. Inflammation causes swelling, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body. If you develop severe lupus, you may have problems with your kidneys, heart, lungs, nervous system, or blood cells. Lupus is the common name for systemic lupus erythematosus, also called SLE.
The portrait and reading on lupus and Renee Covin will hang in the library for the duration of several years in Renee’s honor. People can enter the library to learn more about lupus and the life and legacy Renee left behind.
For those interested in donating to the Lupus Foundation, you can visit Lupus Organization.
Health & Wellness
Hydeia Broadbent’s father launches GoFundMe following the activist’s death
Hydeia Broadbent passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, February 20th.
HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent’s father has launched a GoFundMe following her death.
Hydeia passed away Tuesday, February 20th, at 39 years old.
She passed away peacefully
Her father, Loren Broadbent, shared the news Wednesday on Facebook that she died peacefully from natural causes.
Hydeia was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.
At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.
Several years later after her diagnosis at age 6, Hydeia became a steadfast HIV/AIDS activist, committed to spreading awareness about the disease.
She appeared on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.
In 2014, Hydeia became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation.
Hydeia Broadbent GoFundMe
In light of Hydeia’s untimely passing, her father has set up a GoFundMe.
“Hi, I am Loren Broadbent, the father of Hydeia Broadbent. Yesterday afternoon Hydeia unexpectedly passed away. Our hearts are broken. Hydeia spent her whole life since the age of five showing us all how to love, fight, and speak up for those affected with HIV and AIDS. And as much as I wish she was still here fighting the great fight, God called her home. Letting us all know. Job well done”, the GoFundMe reads.
“In honor of her memory the family would like to lay her to rest. So at this time we are asking for donations. Along with well wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance. Thank you, and let’s all keep her memory alive and continue the fight where she left off.”
The family is seeking to raise $20,000. At the time of this posting, they have raised approximately $14,000.
If you are interested in donating to Hydeia’s celebration of life and supporting the family, please visit the GoFundMe for more information.
Health & Wellness
Hydeia Broadbent, AIDS activist and motivational speaker, dies at 39
Hydeia Broadbent passed away at 39 from natural causes.
Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent AIDS activist and motivational speaker, has passed away at age 39.
Confirmation of Hydeia Broadbent’s passing
Her passing was confirmed by her father Loren Broadbent, in a post on Facebook, sharing Hydeia died from natural causes.
“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor, and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth,” his post read.
“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS.”
Her incredible story
According to her website, Broadbent was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and, as an infant, was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.
At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.
Hydeia Broadbent and her activism
Hydeia became an activist at age 6, telling her story to the masses on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.
Motivational speaker
In 1996, she was a speaker at the Republican National Convention, she stated “I am the future, and I have AIDS.”
In 2002, her family published a book entitled “You Get Past The Tears,” she appeared with her family on “Extreme Home Makeover” in 2004.
Until her passing, she was an international motivational speaker and AIDS activist.
In 2014, she became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation, as well as other AIDS activist organizations, in order “to educate people about HIV/AIDS, raise awareness, and fight discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.”
“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you are aware and informed,” Broadbent said.
“I use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.”
Most of us watched Hydeia and her bravery as she shared her story on this autoimmune disease. Her courage was something to be admired.
Unheard Voices sends its heartfelt condolences to Hydeia’s family and loved ones.
Health & Wellness
Snoop Dogg’s daughter suffers “severe” stroke
Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed in an instagram post she suffered a “severe” stroke.
Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed she suffered a stroke.
Cori Broadus suffers stroke
On Thursday, the 24-year-old posted a photo on her Instagram Story from the hospital following the health scare.
“I had a severe stroke this a.m. I started breaking down crying when they told me,” she wrote. “Like I’m only 24, what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.”
Although Broadus didn’t provide any specific details on what led to her stroke or her recovery, the singer has had a difficult health journey for years after being diagnosed with lupus at age 6.
What is lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that makes your immune system damage organs and tissue throughout your body. It causes inflammation that can affect your skin, joints, blood and organs like your kidneys, lungs and heart.
Let’s keep Cori and all those battling autoimmune diseases like Lupus in our prayers. It is certainly a daily fight.
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gilda rogers
August 27, 2011 at 6:06 pm
What a touching tribute to your loved one. The artist rendering of Renee Covin is a lively one and although I did not know her I got a sense of who she was through this image. Peace. Gilda Rogers. Frank Talk Multi-Media Network.
LMoore2960
September 5, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Renee Covin and Keith Covin have always been role models to me. I am so elated to see that Renee’s legacy lives on. She would have been so appreciative to be honored in such a beautiful way and even more to bring continued attention to Lupus. Yes, I saw her fight until the end with much faith. Renee was a professional and excelled in all her endeavors. I’ll never forget, “She was the first friendly face that made me feel at home when l first arrived at Howard University and was there for me until her return to Jersey.” This portrait remarkably captures the spirit and essence of who she was. I am sure she is looking down upon her family with pride…
Lonnie Moore
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