CJ Stobinski shares his story

sunday April 30th we will be speaking with CJ Stobinski , an activist and runner out of Ohio. CJ Stobinski began his advocacy in February '15 after facing stigma and discrimination over his HIV status. Serving as Ohio Ambassador for the Positive Young People's Foundation, CJ worked on their HIV Ends With Me Because... social media campaign.

Soon after, CJ announced a 5K HIV Awareness campaign live on Toledo local news the day after going public about his status on Facebook, and won his first two races a day apart. He has since competed in about 30 events wearing HIV awareness shirts, mainly No Shame About Being HIV+, and has also written for HIVHereAndNow.com.Last fall, CJ presented about person first language and Prevention Access Campaign's U=U message in Columbus with Equitas Health, and has trained community workers as an OH Department of Health HIV Education Trainer.

In January '17, CJ traveled with Columbus based Youth Across Borders to Montaña de Luz, a home for children living with and affected by HIV in Honduras, and serves as their Youth Ambassador. As Rise Up To HIV's new Youth Ambassador, CJ strives to continue the mission of PYPF that originally drew him to advocacy, "To change the way people think, and talk about HIV." By day, CJ works as a Community Health Worker and Referral Assistant for a non-profit reducing infant mortality in NW Ohio. He enjoys cooking, yoga, and playing with his two fluffy cats.