Joe Cristina
Vision: Children Affected by AIDS Foundation / USA – Latin America - Caribbean
Vision Fund: CAAF Main Bank Account
Website/CAAF: http://www.caaf4kids.org
Background:
In 1985, Mattel, Inc. executive Joe Cristina contracted the then untreatable and ultimately terminal HIV virus and hid the secret until 1993, when he disclosed his HIV status to his then boss and Mattel, Inc. President, Jill Barad. "I just wanted to leave Mattel and go out quietly with disability,"says Joe. But Jill insisted that he continue in his passion for his work. Finally disclosing his secret to his co-workers, Joe was infused with energy and support from everyone and wanted to mobilize to affect something positive in the face of his personal struggle.
As the AIDS epidemic was spreading increasingly to women and newborn babies, Joe became determined to respond to the need for a loud voice and advocate to help organizations take care of HIV-infected and affected children. And so began The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF).
Since 1993, more than $30 million has been raised and distributed touching thousands of lives in the US, Latin America and the Caribbean in ways as simple as attending summer camp, or as involved as helping children learn to comply with difficult medication regimes.
"The same drug therapies that are keeping me healthy are also working miracles in children. We have seen a sharp decrease in the number of AIDS -- so instead of paying for funerals, CAAF is paying for things like counseling -- teaching kids how to live with and become young adults with a chronic illness -- an illness that still today has a great deal of stigma attached to it."
In 2007, Joe's health again began to falter due to the long term effects of the HIV virus coupled with medication side effects, and it became necessary for him to go on an extended medical leave from Mattel. Joe now focuses all of his time and energy on taking care of his health and continuing to help children affected by HIV/AIDS. Mattel, Inc. continues to provide major funding and support to the Foundation. Joe sums-up his experience saying "What grew out of my decision to come forward and share the truth about my own HIV-positive status has resulted in comfort and support not only for myself, but for the thousands of children affected by AIDS throughout the nation.”
Joe Cristina
Vision: Children Affected by AIDS Foundation / USA – Latin America - Caribbean
Vision Fund: CAAF Main Bank Account
Website/CAAF: http://www.caaf4kids.org
Background:
In 1985, Mattel, Inc. executive Joe Cristina contracted the then untreatable and ultimately terminal HIV virus and hid the secret until 1993, when he disclosed his HIV status to his then boss and Mattel, Inc. President, Jill Barad. "I just wanted to leave Mattel and go out quietly with disability,"says Joe. But Jill insisted that he continue in his passion for his work. Finally disclosing his secret to his co-workers, Joe was infused with energy and support from everyone and wanted to mobilize to affect something positive in the face of his personal struggle.
As the AIDS epidemic was spreading increasingly to women and newborn babies, Joe became determined to respond to the need for a loud voice and advocate to help organizations take care of HIV-infected and affected children. And so began The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF).
Since 1993, more than $30 million has been raised and distributed touching thousands of lives in the US, Latin America and the Caribbean in ways as simple as attending summer camp, or as involved as helping children learn to comply with difficult medication regimes.
"The same drug therapies that are keeping me healthy are also working miracles in children. We have seen a sharp decrease in the number of AIDS -- so instead of paying for funerals, CAAF is paying for things like counseling -- teaching kids how to live with and become young adults with a chronic illness -- an illness that still today has a great deal of stigma attached to it."
In 2007, Joe's health again began to falter due to the long term effects of the HIV virus coupled with medication side effects, and it became necessary for him to go on an extended medical leave from Mattel. Joe now focuses all of his time and energy on taking care of his health and continuing to help children affected by HIV/AIDS. Mattel, Inc. continues to provide major funding and support to the Foundation. Joe sums-up his experience saying "What grew out of my decision to come forward and share the truth about my own HIV-positive status has resulted in comfort and support not only for myself, but for the thousands of children affected by AIDS throughout the nation.”