National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NFHAAD) was founded by Khadijah Abdullah in 2016. She is also the founder of RAHMA (Reaching All HIV+ Muslims in America), an Islamic organization in Arabic (the name means Mercy). In 2016, advocates from 10 cities convened in Washington DC to design and discuss the reason for NFHAAD: to bring all faiths together each year in the fight against HIV until there is a cure.

HIV activists in Cleveland, Ohio, in keeping with the spirit of the day, created the Marilyn Kuczynski Faith & Strength Award. Marilyn was chosen for this honor because of her compassion, love and commitment to those living with HIV/AIDS and she worked tirelessly to make sure they were always treated with dignity and respect. Here’s your chance to nominate someone who fits this criteria. The nominee should typically be someone who doesn’t necessarily work in the HIV/AIDS sector and if they do, their commitment takes them above and beyond the scope of their daily job. They may be an advocate/activist. They’ve made unique contributions to those living with HIV and their work has impacted and enhanced the HIV /AIDS community. They could b known to work well with others, be good at communicating the needs and concerns of those living with HIV/AIDS, or other qualities. Please note this award is for Ohio residents only (living with HIV or not).