Cookie Johnson Works Hard To Raise Awareness Of HIV/AIDS In Women

BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Earvin "Magic" Johnson's wife, Cookie, was more than excited by the recent news of a baby born with HIV apparently being cured in Mississippi.

"I felt like it was my baby because we've been fighting this fight for so many years," she said during a sit-down interview with CBS2's Pat Harvey. "And to hear something that positive is just amazing."

Johnson is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and spokesperson for Women's Health. She cannot forget how far medicine has come in the past 22 years in the fight against AIDS. She's been involved with HIV/AIDS since Earvin announced that he was HIV-positive in 1991.

"I think what's happening is people are just not alarmed anymore. Back then, people were dying at alarming rates. It's gotten quieter and people aren't taking the precautions that they need," she said.

Women today represent a large share of new HIV infections. According to Johnson, 24 percent of those infected with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. are women. The numbers for minority women are going up as well.

Johnson says the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Sunday March 10) aims to get the noise going again and educate people about the disease.

"The mothers have got to start talking to their daughters about it and empowering them to be strong in their relationship and do what is necessary to take care of themselves," she explained. "Testing can just be a part of your annual physical."

The National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide observance coordinated with the office of Women's Health. Click here for more information.

To learn more about the Magic Johnson Foundation, click here.