June 2026 Newsletter: Summer is in Full Swing

“June is the time for dreams to take flight and soar into reality.”

– Emma Racine de Fleur

9th Cristian Rivera Foundation Full Steam Ahead 5k

REGISTER NOW AND HELP US SAVE LIVES!

HURRY! There’s still time to register and donate; we’re almost there. Every step and contribution helps drive the fight forward toward a cure for D.I.P.G. This incredible event brings together participants of all ages, both in person and virtually, to support our mission while enjoying a day of fun, fitness, and community.

Register today at cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/

or support by donating at cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/donate/.

Fundraising for our 9th Annual CRF 5k is in full swing!

100% of the proceeds from this event will go to supporting D.I.P.G. Warriors, innovative research, and clinical trials.

CRF’s Medical Partner, Dr. Mark Souweidane of Weill Cornell and Memorial Sloan, is launching his new trial in 6 months. This trial aims to help save and extend the lives of our D.I.P.G Warriors. The trial will cost $2 million to launch and should be the lowest-cost option for patients. CRF aims to contribute $500,000 toward the launch of the trial.

WE CAN NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR HELP! Please consider donating. Your contributions will help SAVE LIVES!

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Isabella Cashion

Following her recent round of CAR-T, D.I.P.G Warrior Izzy has been struggling with fevers, headaches, nausea/vomiting, and some neuro changes. Also, due to the treatment, Izzy has lost about 90% of her beautiful, curly blonde hair, but her smile is still as bright as ever.

Through it all, Izzy has been a real trooper. While in the hospital, she missed her brother’s 3rd birthday, so she can’t wait to get home to celebrate. She is also excited for her own birthday on the 19th.

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Lily Dauksza

Meet our new D.I.P.G Warrior Lily Dauksza! She is 4 years old and was diagnosed in 2 months after her 2nd birthday in November 2023.

Her recent MRI showed stability, and she has been a superstar through all the medical tests and treatments. She is getting ready to graduate pre-k and will be starting kindergarten next fall!

With your help, we can make a difference and help Lily and her family!

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Sofia Ayers

Unfortunately, D.I.P.G Warrior Sofia’s health has been declining. Her neurological symptoms worsened, and she has been struggling with vomiting and gait instability. She is also dealing with issues with her balance, walking, trunk control, awareness of where her body is in space, and coordination of her arms and hands. Speech and swallowing are also now more difficult for her.

However, Sofia is a fighter and continues to greet each day with a smile. Her dad spends nearly 22 hours a day by her side. He has been with her through every step of her journey.

Edgar Berlanga Jr.

Board member Edgar Berlanga Jr. is getting ready for his next big fight! We’re on the edge of our seats and ready to see him win. Good luck, Edgar, we are so proud of you!

The fight will take place on July 26th at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. The fight will stream live exclusively on Paramount+.

We love you 10!

Berto Colon

Congratulations to board member Berto Colon on the success of his new show. Dutton Ranch is already making history as part of the biggest original series debut on Paramount+! Premiere night drew over 2.9 million viewers. What an amazing milestone!

We love you 10!

CRF Board Member Gio Urshela Retires from MLB

Congratulations to board member Gio Urshela on his retirement from the MLB after 10 seasons! Your talent will sorely be missed on the field. We wish you all the best in your next endeavors.

We love you 10!

We honor the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of every cancer survivor.

These are our brave D.I.P.G. Warriors who continue to inspire hope every single day.

Father’s Day is coming up quickly, and we would like to wish

all our incredible CRF dads a Happy Father’s Day! Especially our founder, John “Gungie” Rivera, Cristian’s father. Your love and devotion to your children are recognized and appreciated. Thank you for everything you do!

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!

Happy birthday to our brave warriors! We hope your special day is full of love and joy. Your strength reminds us that there is hope, and we will never stop fighting for you.

From all of us at CRF, we love you 10!

This June, 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 June, 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 June, 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