August 2023 CRF Newsletter – A Warm Summer Update

"If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. "
– Roald Dahl

The Official Roseland Reunion Day Party

The Official Roseland Reunion Day Party is on Sun, Sept 24th 2-8p at Amadeus Night Club: 79-51 Albion Ave Queens! Live performances from The "Latin Rascals" Tony Moran, Two Without Hats, Strafe, Jeanette DeJesus, Alisha, FFWD "Louie Legit", Maribel and more. Music by Roseland Resident DJ John “Gungie” Rivera, hosted by Rocksteady’s Crazy Legs & curated by NYC Legend DJ Lucho. Part of the proceeds to benefit the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Discounted tickets are just $20 until Fri 8/11, $30 until Fri 8/18, $40 until Fri 8/25, then $50.00 After.

To Purchase tickets go to prestigeproductions.net/roselandreunion or call 718-536-6441

14th Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation
Celebrity Gala

Don’t forget to save the date for the 14th Annual CRF Celebrity Gala on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 at Capitale, NYC! Act fast and save your seat! We are currently at 75% capacity. The Gala will be an evening of Faith. We at CRF have faith that a cure for DIPG is within our grasp and you can help us achieve that goal! You can play a part in this groundbreaking cure. Get your seat today at cristianriverafoundation.org/14thannualcrfgala

August 24th is John "Gungie" Rivera’s Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Our Founder, John "Gungie" Rivera!

John is one of the most passionate, determined, and caring individuals. 14 years ago, John’s life was changed forever when his son, Cristian, was diagnosed with D.I.P.G. John channeled his pain into his ambition to help other children and families suffering from D.I.P.G., making our foundation what it is today. Thank you for everything you do, John! We Love You 10!

David Rodriguez August 11	The Late Miriam Colon August 20
Vanessa Rodriguez August 28	Maggie Meehan August 30

All of us at CRF would like to wish you all the happiest of birthdays! We could not do what we do here without you, and we appreciate your support and dedication to our cause more than you will ever know. We Love You 10!

Meet Alexa Huber, a 29 year old stay-at-home mom who was diagnosed with D.I.P.G. in the Spring of 2020. Alexa described her initial reaction when diagnosed as feeling "very lost. There was nothing out there about adults who had brainstem gliomas." During her free time she enjoys sewing, crocheting, and gardening but most of all running, which she does not really need her foot brace for anymore. Her family loves visiting Disney World where she also partakes in running half marathons at.

Around the time of her diagnosis, she said she would take every day one hour at a time, thinking about her next hours rather than her next weeks. To those who are currently battling D.I.P.G., her advice is, "Keep going…Take every single little win that you can." To read more about Alexa’s story, visit cristianriverafoundation.org/alexa-huber

Angels are members of our community who have lose the hard battle against D.I.P.G. but inspire us to strive for our foundation’s goals. By sharing their personal experiences with D.I.P.G. to the rest of the world, we’re able to amplify the urgency to find a cure. We work in honor of our angels, so that no other child or family will lose a life to D.I.P.G. again.

This month we remember the birthdays of our Angels! Happy Birthday to our Angels. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. These angels will never be forgotten.

To learn more about Our Mission view below	To view highlights from our 13th Annual Celebrity Gala view below

Sincerely,
Cristian Rivera Foundation