February 2026 Newsletter: United by Hope, Driven by Heart

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.”

– Helen Keller

Cristian Rivera Foundation Raffle Project 2026

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.

To purchase or sell tickets, visit cristianriverafoundation.org/annual-raffle-project/

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Alexa Huber

On Wed, November 12th, the day of our past Gala, Alexa went in for an MRI. It revealed that her tumor remains stable!

Please consider making a donation in support of Alexa by visiting cristianriverafoundation.org/help-alexa/

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Izzy Cashion

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.

Please consider making a donation in support of Izzy by visiting cristianriverafoundation.org/help-isabella/

Danny Cortes

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.

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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.

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.

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