Team Option Up! was founded in 2014 by HIV+ advocate Christopher Pazdernik, in response to his own diagnosis and in memory of all those the theatre industry lost to HIV/AIDS. The name was taken from a musical theatre term meaning "to sing a higher note than written" and is meant to inspire team members to go further than they think they can in their fundraising and advocacy for HIV/AIDS.

In 2015, Pazdernik was joined by artist/activist Missy Aguilar and they have co-captained the team together ever since. Both Aguilar and Pazdernik are proud to support AFC's vision of working towards no new HIV cases as well as AFC's track record of serving those living in ALL communities in Chicago, and fighting for equity and justice in all aspects of their work.

#blacklivesmatter #translivesmatter #stopaapihate #actupfightAIDS