Attend this incredible event
where participants of all ages can run or
walk in person or virtually to help
support our mission while enjoying a day
of fun, fitness, and community!
Support an
incredible cause by purchasing or selling raffle tickets to
help fund vital research for D.I.P.G. warriors—while also
getting a chance to win some great prizes.
Raffle
tickets are available to purchase now until Tues, March 24th,
2026, at 5pm. The drawing will take place on Tues, March
24th, 2026, after 8pm. Winners will be posted on
cristianriverafoundation.org.
Izzy
recently received MRI results showing her tumor is stable!
She has also begun CAR-T cell therapy, marking an important
milestone and another powerful step forward in her brave
fight against D.I.P.G.
This
month, our Spotlight series highlights Board Member Danny
Cortes. In his interview, Danny opens up about his personal
journey, his commitment to the foundation, and the
experiences that motivate his work. His insight and
leadership play an important role in advancing our mission
and strengthening the impact of our efforts.
Brooklyn-born
artist Danny Cortes found his life’s purpose in the streets
and culture of New York City. Cortes never expected to build
an international art career based on the beautifully
imperfect world he grew up in, but amazingly, the bodegas,
graffiti, and everyday objects of his childhood took form in
miniature art that is distinctly his.
He began his
incredible journey into the world of art at thirty-nine
during a very dark time in his life. Divorce, legal battles,
the pandemic, and losing practically everything plunged him
into a deep depression and anxiety. Searching for meaning in
the backrooms of his pandemic job, he discovered a passion
that brought him back to life. He describes the experience by
stating, “Life got in the way, but it was meant to; God’s
timing was perfect.” Recreating the textures and moments of
80s and 90s New York into unique artistry became a way to
process and preserve his past.
We’re
thrilled to announce Board Member Gio Urshela has signed with
the Minnesota Twins!
Gio is a
beloved Board Member who received the CRF Heroes Award at our
12th Annual Gala in 2021.
During his
time with the Minnesota Twins in 2022, Gio also made a
meaningful impact off the field, spending time with D.I.P.G.
Angel Maria Kuenster.
World Cancer Day, a powerful
reminder of the global impact cancer has
on millions of lives.
Cancer remains a leading
cause of death worldwide, affecting
millions each year — including nearly
300,000 children. Each year, 200–300
children are diagnosed with Diffuse
Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (D.I.P.G.), a
rare and aggressive pediatric brain
cancer. Tragically, less than 10% of
children survive beyond two years, and
fewer than 2% live five years or more.
At CRF, we are dedicated to
raising awareness, funding critical
research, and supporting families
affected by D.I.P.G.
Please consider making a
donation and stand with us in the fight
for a future where every child has hope
by visiting cristianriverafoundation.org/donate/.
Globally, over 300,000
children are diagnosed with cancer every
year.
Around 200–300 of those
children are diagnosed with Diffuse
Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (D.I.P.G.), a
rare and devastating pediatric brain
cancer. For most families, the prognosis
is heartbreaking: fewer than 10% of
children survive beyond two years, and only
a small fraction reach five.
At the Cristian Rivera
Foundation, we live to help these
children and their families. We are
committed to raising awareness, funding
lifesaving research, and walking
alongside families as they face the
unimaginable.
Your support helps move us
closer to a future where no child is
without hope. If you’re able, please
consider making a donation and standing
with us in the fight against D.I.P.G. at cristianriverafoundation.org/donate.
As we look
ahead, we want to take a second to thank all of you: the
people who make this work possible. From the children and
families facing D.I.P.G. with courage, the researchers who
dedicate their time and expertise, the board members who
guide us, and the donors who give so generously, we are truly
blessed.
Your support
allows us to raise awareness, fund vital research, and be
there for families who need hope and help during an
incredibly difficult time. We are reminded every day that
this community stands together. Your kindness and commitment
give us the strength to keep going with the belief that
progress, and a cure, are possible.
This Black
History Month, we honor the resilience, leadership, and
lasting impact of Black communities. Here, at CRF, our
commitment to equity and inclusion is not just momentary; it
is an ongoing promise reflected in the work we do and the
communities we serve.
Board
Member
Rafael Toro
February 7th
From all
of us at CRF, we’re wishing you a very happy birthday! Your
generosity and support make our mission possible, and we’re
truly grateful for the dedication you show.
Thank you
for being such an important part of our journey.
We love
you 10!
This
February, 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.
This February, 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.
Carefully
cut out the Valentine along the dotted line. You may fold it
in half or keep it flat like a postcard. Write a kind
message, draw on the back or inside, and then fill in the
“To” and “From” lines. Share your Valentine with someone
special and help spread love in our CRF community this
Valentine’s Day!
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
February, 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.
Please Take A Few Minutes To Watch
CRF’s Work/Mission 2025/26 Video Below
Sincerely,
Cristian Rivera Foundation
Founder:
John “Gungie” Rivera
Chairman of the Board:
Melinda Colon Cox
Board Members:
AJ Calloway, Aldo Marin, Berto Colon,
Carlos Colon, Danny Cortes, Darlene Rodriguez,
Edgar Berlanga, Fernando Ferrer, Gio Urshela,
Jarrad Seuferling, John Jellybean Benitez,
Kenan Thompson, Luis Guzman,
Meiling Macias Toro, Malik Yoba, Paul Pristavec,
Rafael Toro, Rena Kliot and Sean Ringgold
Board Friends:
Maggie Meehan, Mark Rosner,
and Michael V. Narvaez
Supporters:
Edward Caban and Marisol A. Chalas
Honorary Board
Members:
The Late Anthony Mason
and The Late Miriam Colon
