January 2026 Newsletter: Remembering Cristian Alexander Rivera on the anniversary of his passing/Reflecting on a Year of Impact, United in the Fight for a Cure

This year, we are proud to share that we donated over $520,000 to D.I.P.G. research and families. These donations went to Dr. Mark M. Souweidane and Dr. Oren J. Becher, our medical partners, as well as D.I.P.G. warriors Emiliano Bermejo, Lisha Ayala, Alexa Huber, Nicole Puglisi, and Izzy Cashion. Our donations are being used to fund groundbreaking research, provide necessary treatment, and support our incredible warriors.

In February, Actor Berto Colon became a Board Member and appeared on Pix11 News to speak about joining the board and our mission.

Also in February, Artist Danny Cortes became a Board Member. He shared, “I’m proud to use my platform to help raise awareness, push for research, and honor Cristian’s legacy. Together, we can bring hope, change lives, and work toward a cure.”

In March, Actor and Executive TV producer Sean Ringgold became a Board Member. He shared, “Having been moved by the powerful stories of resilience and the unwavering love that parents exhibited at the Gala, it is my honor to serve as a board member of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. I believe our collective efforts can lead to incredible advancements in research and support.”

In April, Board Member and award-winning News Anchor of NBC’s Today in New York, Darlene Rodriguez, was featured in Ms. Magazine!

In May, D.I.P.G. Warrior Emiliano Bermejo reached an extraordinary milestone by becoming part of the RARE 1% Club, five years with D.I.P.G.

Also in May, former NY Knicks Point Guard, Stephon Marbury represented CRF at the annual BTIG Charity Day.

In June, we hosted our 8th Annual 5K, uniting runners, volunteers, and supporters around our mission to raise awareness and funds for D.I.P.G. research.

In July, we proudly hosted our 9th Annual Flashback Boat Ride, welcoming supporters for an evening of music, conversation, and community in the New York Harbor to connect for our mission.

In August, Board Member Luis Guzmán returned to his iconic role as Gomez Addams in Season 2 of Wednesday on Netflix!  

In September, Board Member and comedian/actor Kenan Thompson, represented CRF for the third year in a row at Cantor Fitzgerald’s Charity Day.

In October, Chairwoman of the Board and General Counsel at New Jersey Community Capital, Melinda Colon Cox, appeared on ¿Qué Pasa NJ? to discuss her leadership journey, legal advocacy, and the impact of her work across financial sectors. She also spoke about her meaningful role with the Cristian Rivera Foundation.

In November, we held our 16th Annual Celebrity Gala, hosted by Kenan Thompson, Darlene Rodriguez and Malik Yoba. The evening was an incredible success, welcoming the highest number of attendees in our foundation’s history. We are truly grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so memorable.

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/

We are reaching out with a heartfelt request. D.I.P.G. Warriors don’t have time on their side. D.I.P.G. is aggressive and relentless, and funding is lacking.

Isabella “Izzy” Cashion

On January 16th, brave D.I.P.G. Warrior Izzy Cashion underwent CAR-T cell surgery for her clinical trial in San Francisco. Her parents share “Surgery went well! Recovering with paw patrol and a huge appetite!”

We are proud to share that Board Member Kenan Thompson now has his very own children’s book.

This wonderful accomplishment showcases his dedication to empowering children through stories that inspire, entertain, and educate.

To order your very own copy, follow here: linktr.ee/unfunnybunnybook.

Malik Yoba

This month, we had the opportunity to interview Board Member Malik Yoba for our Spotlight series. Through this conversation, we take a closer look at who he is, the role he plays, and the meaningful moments that have shaped his journey. His voice adds valuable perspective and depth to the mission and values of our foundation.

At fifty-eight, American actor Malik Yoba describes himself as “the most evolved he’s ever been.” As a dedicated entrepreneur, actor, and member of the community, his journey has been a long one, beginning in the South Bronx and Harlem. Yoba grew up in a strict but creative home with his loving parents. His father, after taking the risk of pursuing his dreams to be a musician, always preached independence, self-determination, and giving back. This sentiment manifested in his father’s bold decision to rename himself. Originally Milton Myers, but tired of predetermined notions placed on him, he crafted the name Yoba. The actor reminisces on his childhood, sharing, “My dad created his own name because he refused to let the world define him.”

It was in this creative household, inspired by his very creative mother, where his love for acting began. At just four years old, he witnessed the magic of his first play, Alice in Wonderland. Surrounded by his mother’s artistic friends and immersed in drama clubs, Yoba found a deep passion for the stage. By twenty, the actor had landed his first role in a film, leading him to major parts in Cool Runnings, New York Undercover, and The Family Business. More recently, he has been involved in independent films, like Redeemed, which was filmed this past year in Jamaica. He remains deeply immersed in the arts, balancing work on and off screen.

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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 January, 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 January, 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.

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 January, 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