“You’re stronger than you think you are
and it’s okay if you’re not in the moment,
but there’s people around you that are there
to keep you on that path of strength
and to support you when you’re down.
You’ll get back to your resilient, strong self.”
– Warrior Alexa Huber
Happy Independence Day
From the Cristian Rivera Foundation!
This Independence Day, we celebrated the values of freedom, hope, and unity that define our nation. At the Cristian Rivera Foundation, we are reminded that true freedom includes the chance for every child to grow up healthy and full of possibility.
As we gathered with loved ones this 4th of July, we held close the families affected by D.I.P.G. and honored the brave children who continue to inspire our mission. Their strength fuels our fight for a cure and reminds us why this work matters.
From all of us at CRF, we hope you had a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.
Thank You for Joining Us at the
8th Annual Full Steam Ahead 5K!
On behalf of everyone at the Cristian Rivera Foundation, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the 8th Annual Full Steam Ahead 5K on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Your presence, passion, and dedication helped make this event a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together in the fight against DIPG. Whether you ran, walked, donated, or cheered from the sidelines, you were an essential part of this meaningful day.
Thanks to your support, we continue moving full steam ahead toward our mission, funding life-saving research, supporting families, and honoring the children and angels who inspire us every step of the way.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us. Together, we’re making a difference.
Be sure to check out our upcoming walk highlights video!
On Sat July 19th, we will be hosting our 9th Annual Flashback Boat Ride!
There are less then 20 tickets available, to purchase your tickets click here!
It sells out every year and funds from this event will fund critical research for DIPG patients and family support.
Join us for our 16th Annual Celebrity Gala on Sun August 3rd, at Cipriani 55 Wall St, NYC!
This is our most popular event of the year, and discounted seats are $1,000 through Sun, August 3rd, $1,250 after.
Be sure to take advantage of the discounted price and
grab your seats early here!
Watch highlights from the
8th Annual CRF Flashback Boat Ride here:
Edgar Berlanga
Wishing our Board Member, Edgar Berlanga, the best of luck as he takes on Hamzah Sheeraz, Saturday, July 12th, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens!
Prelims begin at 5:30 p.m. ET, with the main event around 9:55 p.m.
We’re with you all the way Edgar, we love you 10!
To watch the fight, go to dazn.com/en-US/p/boxing.
If you would like to buy tickets for the fight,
visit Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek.
Anthony Lenardo
At the CRF, we are honored to shine a spotlight on one of our most steadfast supporters, Anthony Lenardo. As one of CRF’s most dedicated donors, Anthony has shown unwavering commitment to our mission year after year. His generosity, heart, and belief in a world without DIPG make him a true pillar of our community.
Anthony’s continued contributions have helped fuel groundbreaking research, support families facing unimaginable challenges, and keep Cristian’s legacy alive through every event, fundraiser, and moment of hope we share.
Thank you, Anthony, for being a vital part of the CRF family. Your support never goes unnoticed, and your impact reaches further than words can express.
Our angels are the courageous children who faced D.I.P.G. with unwavering strength and grace. Though they are no longer with us, their presence continues to inspire every part of the Cristian Rivera Foundation.
This July, we honor the birthdays of our beloved angels. To the families who carry their memory each day, we are with you, your children will always be remembered.
By sharing their stories, we not only celebrate their lives but also highlight the critical need for a cure. Every effort we make is in their honor, and for a future where no family has to endure this loss.
This July, we pause to honor the Angelversaries of our beloved angels, marking the days they gained their wings. To the families who carry their memory each and every day, we stand with you. Your children will always be remembered.
By sharing their stories, we not only celebrate their lasting impact but also emphasize the urgent need for a cure. Every step we take is in their honor, and in pursuit of a future free from the heartbreak of DIPG.
Before and after Cristian’s D.I.P.G. diagnosis, drawing and coloring were some of his favorite ways to express himself. Remarkably, even before his tumor was discovered, Cristian was creating artwork that closely resembled what would later be found in his brain.
This July, we celebrate Cristian’s creative spirit with a special tribute. We invite you to download and enjoy these coloring pages in his honor, a reminder of the joy, imagination, and strength he shared with the world.
Please Take A Few Minutes To Watch The 3 Videos Below
CRF’s Work/Mission
2024/25
15th Annual CRF Celebrity Gala Highlights
8th Annual CRF Flashback Boat Ride Highlights
Sincerely,
Cristian Rivera Foundation
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