“I hope the outcome of doing the science is that someday, that

pediatric neuro‑oncologist is going to sit across from a set of

parents and she’s going to hand them that first blow. But she’s

not going to deliver the second blow, because she’s not going to

say, ‘We don’t know how to treat that.’ Instead, she will say,

‘We know how to cure that.’ I know that the day will come.”

– Denise Downing

August 24th is our Founder

John “Gungie” Rivera’s Birthday!

On behalf of everyone at CRF, we’d like to wish our founder a very happy birthday. John is one of the most passionate, driven, and caring

people we know.

Sixteen years ago, his life was forever changed when his son, Cristian, was diagnosed with D.I.P.G. In the years since, John has channeled his pain into purpose, creating this foundation to support other children and families facing D.I.P.G. and shaping CRF into what it is today.

Thank you for everything you do, John. We love you 10!

Alexa Huber

BREAKING NEWS

Alexa Huber’s Tumor Remains Stable!

We’re overjoyed to share that after her latest scans, Alexa Huber’s tumor remains stable. This hopeful update is a powerful reminder of the strength Alexa shows every day, and the impact of a community that refuses to give up in the fight against DIPG.

Kenan Thompson

Luis Guzman

Patrick B. Jenkins

The Cristian Rivera Foundation is proud to spotlight longtime supporter and dedicated community leader Patrick B. Jenkins for his generous support and unwavering commitment to our mission of finding a cure for DIPG and supporting affected families.

For the past 8 years, Patrick has been a Gold Sponsor of our Annual CRF Gala, and for the last 4 years he has been the Presenting Sponsor at our Annual CRF 5k Walk.  

Thank you, Patrick, for your continued generosity, compassion, and commitment to making a difference. Together, we are bringing hope and healing to children and families impacted by DIPG.

From all of us at CRF, we wish you a very happy birthday.

Your support and generosity make everything we do possible,

and your dedication truly means the world to us. We love you 10!

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 August, we honor the birthdays and Angelversaries 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.

August is a time to remember the incredible angels who fought D.I.P.G. with so much strength, light, and love. Though they’re no longer by our side, their spirits live on in every heartfelt effort and every family they continue to inspire.

This August, we honor the Angelversaries of these brave children. To every family keeping their memories close, we hold you in our hearts. Your children’s stories remind us why we fight and why we won’t stop.

By honoring their legacy, we help spread awareness and drive the search for a cure, so that one day, no family will have to endure this pain again.

Before and after Cristian’s DIPG diagnosis, drawing and coloring were some of his favorite ways to express himself. Amazingly, even before his tumor was discovered, Cristian was creating artwork that closely resembled what would later be found in his brain.

This August, we celebrate Cristian’s incredible creativity with a special tribute. We invite you to download and enjoy these coloring pages in his honor, a heartfelt reminder of the joy, imagination, and strength he so beautifully shared with the world.

Please Take A Few Minutes To Watch The 2 Videos Below

Sincerely,
Cristian Rivera Foundation