Mission:
The mission of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF) is to make a positive difference in the lives of children infected with HIV and affected by AIDS. CAAF accomplishes this by helping meet their diverse, special needs, advocating and educating on their behalf, and bringing joy and fun into their lives.

History:
CAAF was founded in Los Angeles, CA, in 1993 by Joe Cristina, a Mattel, Inc. executive whose desire to help children was inspired by the outpouring of support he received when he disclosed his own HIV+ status.

Need:
The U.S. Government estimates that there are approximately 14,000 American children infected with HIV. It is also estimated that there are nearly 80,000 American children who have been orphaned by the AIDS-related deaths of their parents. Because of rapidly changing life expectancies among people with HIV infection, no reliable estimates can be made of how many children affected by AIDS will be living in the U.S. at the end of this decade.