Congressional Candidate Revealed as Adoptive Parent in Local High-Profile Case

When Rosemary Holmstrom was diagnosed HIV positive in 1984, it was shortly after her husband had died from the disease. She tried to keep life for her son C.J. normal in their Windsor Terrace apartment, but at the same time she was racing to find a new home for the 7-year-old boy.

She received many offers, but the family she chose was one that quickly brought her and C.J. into their own life. When Rosemary passed away in 1994, C.J. began his new life with the family.

Now the Queens family that adopted him has been identified as the Turners--Bob Turner is the Republican nominee for the seat left vacant by disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner.

The Daily News shares an update on the boy's life:

C.J., who works in sales at a television production company, has adjusted well to life with the Turners despite his mother's tragic death.

"It's a difficult situation for him," said his older brother Matt, 44. "The adoption process can be a traumatizing thing for a kid and he didn't have to experience that. He was already 100% part of the family, as was Rose."

"His heart is with her, but he doesn't like to talk about it too much," said Peggy Turner.