It’s June! And with summertime comes barbecues, family trips, and hot weather (depending on where you live, of course). For the Cristian Rivera Foundation, Summer is not just a time for hanging out with family and friends, going on vacations, and relaxing.
We are constantly at work to find a cure for DIPG, and until this cancer goes to rest for good, we will be pushing to rid the world of it.
Summer’s warm promise to provide a sense of community and togetherness among people gives us hope that we can find a cure for DIPG. This Summer edition of our newsletter is here to update you on the work we have accomplished so far!
Trevor is a graduate of Charleston Southern University with a degree in communications and journalism. Following a trip to Haiti in 2011, Trevor realized he had a passion for helping those less fortunate and making a positive impact on the world. In 2017, he traveled overseas to the country of Kenya and taught english and math in remote primary schools as well as fundraising for school supplies and the construction of a new school building. He is extremely excited to be working with the Cristian Rivera Foundation and make a difference for all the families affected by DIPG.
Sydney is a rising sophomore and is transferring to the University of South Carolina to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English and International Affairs. She plans to attend law school where she hopes to specialize in corporate law and eventually start her own non-profit aimed at helping disadvantaged single mothers. This is an exciting opportunity for her and she can’t wait to learn more.
4TH ANNUAL CRF Full Steam Ahead 5K
Join us at Van Cortlandt Park on Saturday, July 17th, 2021 from 9 am to 12 pm. This year our event will be in-person, but virtual participants are also welcome and can join in on the fun!
Register online as a single participant or build a team and raise even more funds in support of DIPG research and helping families. Follow the link below to register
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with setting up and breaking down materials for the 5K as well as helping out with tasks during the event. If you or someone you know is interested in helping, please send an email to info@cristianriverafoundation.org
5TH ANNUAL CRF FLASHBACK BOAT RIDE
Ready to get out, enjoy the fresh air and have some fun? Join us for an amazing night aboard the world-famous Circle Line on Sat. August 28th! There will be music, dancing, silent auction items, special surprise guests, and performances – all toward an amazing cause. Early Bird tickets are $30 until Thurs 6/24, $35 until Thurs 7/8, $40 until Thurs 7/22 & $50 after that.
Dying to get dolled up? After a long wait due to the virus, we are finally ready to get back into the swing of things.
Join us for our 12th Celebrity Gala on Wed Nov 17th. A night of moving stories, great performances and food, and wonderful people. Discounted Early Bird tickets are $400 until Sun Aug 15th when they will go up to $500. Purchase tickets at cristianriverafoundation.org/12th-annual-gala/
That’s all for now! As restrictions are being lifted, we are all experiencing waves of relief and glimpses of normal life. While this is happening, some may be still feeling nervous and are tip-toeing back into the waters of life.
Here at CRF we’d like you to know that the water feels just fine and we’re excited for the light that Summer has to offer. For all those planning trips we wish you safety and fun. Don’t forget to plan your vacations around our fundraising events! Until then, Full Steam Ahead!
Our Mission
The mission of the Cristian Rivera Foundation is to help find the cure for
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG),
an inoperable and incurable brain stem tumor.
What is DIPG
(Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma)?
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma or DIPG, is a Rare, Inoperable Brain Stem Tumor that predominantly affects children between the ages of 2 and 10. Only 200-300 cases are discovered in the United States each year and because there is no cure, it’s young victims only have an average of 3-18 months to live, after they’ve been diagnosed. There are NO SURVIVORS.
Who is
The Cristian Rivera Foundation?
The Cristian Rivera Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that works tirelessly, in order to raise awareness and funds to one day put a STOP to this disease. The Cristian Rivera Foundation funds the work of Dr. Mark Souweidane of Weill Cornell Medical Center – Memorial Sloane (Kettering) Cancer Center and Dr. Oren Becher of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and the Lurie Cancer center at Northwestern University. Both Doctors are conducting promising research and trials that have shown promising results. We are CLOSE to a CURE!
How Can You Help:
Help us by making a Donation.
Every Donation Big or Small, will help us achieve our goal.
Help spread the word to your family, friends and Colleagues.
Thank You again and may this be the year we say goodbye to DIPG,
(Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma),
FOREVER!
Founder:
John “Gungie” Rivera
"Forever Cristian’s Daddy"
Board of Directors:
Carlos Yepez and Darlene Rodriguez.
Committee Members:
Aldo Marin, Alex Arizmendi, Alex Garcia,
Carlos Colon, Elis Pacheco, Fernando Ferrer,
Francesco Quattrone, Jarrad Seuferling,
Kenan Thompson, Luis Guzman,
Meiling Macias Toro, Paul Pristavec, Rafael Toro,
Rena Kliot, Steve Cox, and Vito Bruno.
Supporters:
Ben Velazquez, David Rodriguez,
Dr. Manuel A. Moran, Karla De Epstein,
Michael V. Narvaez, and William Pla.
Chairman of the Board:
Andy Epstein
Director:
Sarde Laurente
Committee Friends:
Alberto Torres, Edward Caban, Ed Martin,
Maggie Meehan, Mark Rosner, Melinda Colon Cox,
and Vanessa Rodriguez.
Honorary Committee Members:
The Late Anthony Mason
and The Late Miriam Colon.