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“Keep your face to the sunshine, and you will never see the shadows.” – Helen Keller |
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| Save The Date For Our 17th Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Celebrity Gala |
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| D.I.P.G. Warrior Sofia Ayers |
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D.I.P.G. Warrior Sofia needs our support as she recovers from dysphagia, worsening neurological symptoms, and respiratory issues. While her recent brain MRI didn’t show ideal results, the full spine MRI was clean! Sofia’s cornea has also completely healed following her surgery. Recently, Sofia had a full AAC evaluation where she and her family started to learn how to use a personalized tablet to help with communication. Additionally, to celebrate Sofia’s strength through these recent events, her family held a community meditation event at one of her favorite spots on Normandy Beach. |
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| | D.I.P.G. Warrior Isabella Cashion |
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| Following Izzy’s MRI on June 22, Izzy’s tumor appears to be a little smaller. In an incredible milestone, the largest part of her tumor is now under 4 cm for the first time. Her mother shared hopeful news: “For the first time, I can see where the CAR T cells are eating away at her tumor on the MRI.” Izzy has also started cold capping during her lower-dose chemotherapy treatments in hopes of preserving her hair. Since beginning the treatment, no additional hair has fallen out, and her family is hopeful they’ll soon see her beautiful curls return. Izzy was featured in an article about D.I.P.G./DMG that was published in the NY Times! To read, follow here! |
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| | D.I.P.G. Warrior Alexa Huber |
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| We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news from D.I.P.G. Warrior Alexa Huber. Alexa’s most recent MRI has shown that her tumor remains stable. Diagnosed in the spring of 2020, Alexa continues to inspire everyone around her with her resilience, advocacy, and unwavering determination. We are so grateful to celebrate this positive update alongside Alexa and her family. |
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| Big Congratulations to D.I.P.G Warriors Emiliano, Izzy, Lily, and Sofia on their school graduations! |
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| These special achievements are a testament to their resilience, determination, and joyful spirit. Despite the challenges they have faced, Emiliano, Izzy, Lily, and Sofia continue to inspire everyone around them with their courage and bright smiles. We are so proud of you all and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll continue to accomplish. We love you 10! |
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| Colonel Marisol A. Chalas |
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| Congratulations to Board Member Col. Marisol A. Chalas on her recent career milestones! You broke barriers as the first Latina Black Hawk pilot in the Army National Guard, and we know your role as keynote speaker for the Latino Veterans of New Jersey Shero Recognition of Valor event serves as an inspiration to all. We are also so proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of your graduation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which invited you to be the Commencement Speaker for the 2026 graduating class and awarded you an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration from the Board of Trustees. We couldn’t be prouder of the work you do, Marisol! We know you will continue to share your wisdom and forge a strong example for the next generation. We love you 10! |
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| What a fight! Huge congratulations to our Board Member, Edgar Berlanga, on an incredible seventh-round TKO victory against Steven Butler at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden! Our founder, John Gungie Rivera, and his family attended the fight ringside. We are so proud to see Edgar representing the Cristian Rivera Foundation and wearing the CRF logo in the ring and on his team’s uniforms. We are so proud of you, Edgar! Thank you for always standing in our corner and helping us fight for a cure for D.I.P.G.! We love you 10! |
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| Happy 4th of July From the Cristian Rivera Foundation! |
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| This Fourth of July, we celebrate the spirit of freedom, resilience, and hope that brings us together as a nation. As fireworks light up the sky and families gather to celebrate, we also reflect on the incredible courage of the children and families facing D.I.P.G. Their strength reminds us that every child deserves the opportunity to dream, grow, and celebrate life’s milestones. Together, we remain committed to raising awareness, advancing research, and working toward a future where no family has to face this devastating disease. From everyone at the Cristian Rivera Foundation, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable 250th Independence Day. Thank you for standing with us in the fight to end D.I.P.G. |
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| Thank You for Joining Us at the 9th Annual Full Steam Ahead 5K! |
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| | On behalf of everyone at the Cristian Rivera Foundation, thank you to all who joined us for the 9th Annual Full Steam Ahead 5K. Your energy, generosity, and support made this year’s event a truly meaningful day in the fight against D.I.P.G. |
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| Thank You for Joining Us at the 10th Annual Boat ride! |
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| Despite the less-than-perfect weather, the 10th Annual Full Steam Ahead Boat Ride was an incredible event! A special thank you to all those who attended for your generosity, energy, and continued commitment to our mission. Together, we’re creating hope and making a difference in the fight against D.I.P.G.! |
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| We are thankful to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, or supported the Boat Ride. Your support made this event truly special. You can access photos from the event on our website at cristianriverafoundation.org/10th-crf-boat-ride/ |
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This July, we remember and honor the birthdays of these beloved angels. These angels are the brave children who faced D.I.P.G. with extraordinary strength and grace. Though they are no longer with us, their spirit lives on and continues to guide everything we do at the Cristian Rivera Foundation. To the families who carry their memory every day, please know you are not alone. Your children will never be forgotten. By sharing their stories, we celebrate their lives and shine a light on the urgent need for a cure. Every step we take is in their honor and in pursuit of a future where no family has to endure this kind of loss. |
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This July, we honor the Angelversaries of these brave children. We remember the incredible angels who faced D.I.P.G. with unmatched strength, light, and love. Though they’re no longer with us, their spirits continue to push us forward and inspire every step we take. To the families who carry their memory every day, we stand with you. Your children remind us why we fight and why we refuse to stop. By keeping their legacy alive, we raise awareness and push harder for a cure so that no other family has to endure this kind of loss again. |
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| Before and after Cristian’s D.I.P.G. diagnosis, drawing and coloring were his favorite ways to express himself. Remarkably, even before his tumor was discovered, Cristian was creating artwork that reflected what would later be found in his brain. This July, we celebrate Cristian’s extraordinary creativity with a special tribute. We invite you to download and enjoy these coloring pages in his honor, a touching reminder of the joy, imagination, and strength he shared with the world. |
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| | | Please Take A Few Minutes To Watch
CRF’s Work/Mission 2025/26 Video Below |
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| | | Sincerely,
Cristian Rivera Foundation |
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Founder:
John “Gungie” Rivera
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Chairman of the Board:
Melinda Colon Cox
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Board Members:
AJ Calloway, Aldo Marin, Berto Colon,
Carlos Colon, Danny Cortes, Darlene Rodriguez,
Edgar Berlanga,
Fernando Ferrer, Gio Urshela,
Jarrad Seuferling, Kenan Thompson,
Luis Guzman, Marisol A. Chalas,
Malik Yoba, Meiling Macias Toro,
Dr. Nirav Patel, Paul Pristavec,
Rafael Toro, Rena Kliot and Sean Ringgold
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Board Friends:
Maggie Meehan, Mark Rosner
and Michael V. Narvaez
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Supporter:
Edith Baillargeon, and Edward Caban
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Honorary Board Members:
The Late Anthony Mason
and The Late Miriam Colon
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2018, 19, 20,
21, 22,23, 24, 25
Awarded 8 Consecutive Years
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Follow Us:
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2018, 19, 20,
21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26
Awarded 9 Consecutive Years
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