A Small, Good Thing

It was only when Dolores was on her deathbed that she told her husband, Cesar, that she had AIDS, as did their two small children and Cesar. Despite overwhelming obstacles, Cesar is fiercely devoted to caring for his children, one of whom is blind from the disease. Loretta and Mike Riley are on welfare with physical ailments of their own (diabetes, cancer, heart disease); nonetheless their love for a boy severely disabled from AIDS has brought about an astonishing transformation in him. Angelina, because of emotional problems in addition to HIV complications, has been in six different foster homes in two years, but is now in a home where she is thriving. Far from despairing, A Small, Good Thing presents intimate and life-affirming portraits of children born with HIV and the medical personnel, biological families, and foster families who care for them. Through these stories we see the effects of the disease on children and the efficacy of current treatments as well as the ins and outs of the medical systems and social agencies meant to help these children. Children with HIV are an often overlooked group. This immensely powerful and important book provides much needed attention and hope.