In December 1984, 53-year-old Kenneth Pittman underwent coronary bypass surgery in Toronto. During the operation, he received an infusion of cryoprecipitate, a fluffy white protein that helps clot blood. Pittman survived his heart disease and the surgery, but not the infusion: In March 1990, he learned that he had contracted HIV from the cryoprecipitate. He died a few days later. His wife, Rochelle Pittman, did not learn about the diagnosis until three weeks after her husband’s funeral. By…
To read this article and start a full year of unlimited online access, subscribe now!
Subscribe NowAlready a subscriber?
LoginNeed to register for your premium online access,which is included with your paid subscription?
Register NowSupport SSIR’s coverage of cross-sector solutions to global challenges.
Help us further the reach of innovative ideas. Donate today.
Read more stories by Moe Abecassis, David Benjamin & Lorna Tessier.