As the disease is multifaceted, so are the grants, touching on areas including medical care, placement of orphaned children, housing, and mental health services-even creating the opportunity for children to attend summer camp. Cristina's accomplishments on behalf of children affected by AIDS are a reminder that with effort and compassion, tragedy can be turned into purpose. For Cristina and CAAF, making a difference means helping children deal with problems most adults would find overwhelming. Sometimes that prejudice extends to their uninfected siblings and to the healthy children of infected parents. The circumstances of many families affected by the disease are difficult and chaotic, compounding the emotional burden.
Many families are severely socially and economically disadvantaged.
They may not know where the rent is coming from next month, or even how to arrange transportation to their doctor's office. Dealing with a sick family member often becomes too much to handle. Church points out that healthy children in the family may feel neglected. They also may worry excessively about the health of a brother, sister, or parent. Schoolwork can suffer.