March 2026 Newsletter: Spring is in the Air

“Spring adds new life and new joy to all that is.”

—Jessica Harrelson

Cristian Rivera Foundation Raffle Project 2026

Congratulations to the 2026 CRF Raffle Winners!

1st Place Winner: 2 Premium Tickets to a NY Yankee Game (2026 Season)- Amir Karadi who donated his raffle forward to DIPG Warrior Nicole Puglisi

2nd Place Winner: Apple iPad. Hugo Velazquez

3rd Place Winner: $200.00 Card to IL Mulino Restaurant Nellie Ortiz

Thank you to all who participated in our 2026 Raffle project. It is because of people like you that we are a step closer to finding a cure for D.I.P.G.

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Isabella Cashion

D.I.P.G. Warrior Izzy is moving onto her second CAR T-cell infusion as part of her treatment. Her MRI last week showed stability, meaning the tumor has remained the same size. While this isn't the hoped-for reduction, her lab results indicate that the CAR T cells are trying to do their thing.

Although only one child in the trial has experienced complete tumor disappearance, others with stable disease are continuing to live good, meaningful lives. In a diagnosis where the typical life expectancy is 9–11 months, stability itself can be a powerful and hopeful outcome.

Izzy is now seven months from diagnosis and continues to look strong. This round, she will receive 30 million CAR T cells—an increase from the 10 million she received during her first infusion—with hopes that these cells will effectively target her tumor.

Encouragingly, Izzy has returned to her baseline and recently enjoyed a wonderful week at home with her family.

Melinda Colon Cox

This month, our Spotlight series highlights Board Chairwoman Melinda Colon Cox. During her interview, Melinda shares personal insights into the values that shaped her, her journey into law, and the passion for advocacy that continues to guide her leadership today. She also highlights her commitment to advancing our mission and strengthening our impact.

Melinda has lived by the lessons of strength, determination, and hard work given to her by her beloved Puerto Rican parents. A proud daughter, she was raised in a home where family came first. Her mother, who often managed multiple jobs at once, taught her what determination looked like in action. Those humble beginnings shaped her into the incredible advocate, mother, and leader she is today.

Cox was raised in Rutherford and Jersey City, New Jersey, before attending Union College. There, she majored in political science and minored in Spanish while playing softball. After graduation, she decided to enroll at Rutgers School of Law; however, this choice was far from impulsive. By the sixth grade, inspired by an impressive lawyer who visited her school for career day, Melinda knew she wanted to be an attorney. Thankfully, that spark never dimmed.

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Berto Colon

This month, our Spotlight series also highlights Board Member Berto Colon. In his interview, Berto reflects on the values that shaped his journey, from discipline instilled through sports to his passion for storytelling and purpose-driven acting. He also shares how those same principles guide his commitment to the Foundation and its mission to support families and pursue a cure.

Driven by discipline, Berto Colon, a successful Puerto Rican actor, discovered early on in life through his involvement in sports and theatre that he has an unwavering desire to succeed. What began as swimming became basketball, and eventually football; these experiences had a fundamental impact on who he is today. Football instilled discipline, work ethic, and a relentless drive to excel. This mindset evolved into something much deeper as he matured, the philosophy that “doing something meaningful every day is the spice of life”.

He credits his parents for instilling these values into him, sharing that his mother is his “north star.”  She is a hardworking nurse who transitioned from a private hospital in Puerto Rico to the VA system, eventually making her way to the U.S. His father similarly provided him invaluable lessons; respect, hard work, perseverance, and the importance of utilizing the gifts God gives you. Alongside dedicated coaches and teachers, they helped mold him into a well-rounded and personable individual, focused on human decency and helping others.

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2026 CRF Board Meeting

One of our 2026 board meeting was held this month and it was highly productive. Thank you to Dr. Mark Souweidane for Zooming in and giving us fantastic news on our new trial which is starting in less than a year, Dr. Oren Becher for his enlightening update on his research, D.I.P.G. warrior Alexa Huber for giving us an update and Isabella Cashion’s, dad Tim for calling us from San Francisco where Izzy is currently receiving her 2nd round of CAR T-cell.

Pictured left to right are the attendees of last night's meeting. Dr. Nirav Patel, Carlos Colon, John Gungie Rivera, Col. Marisol Chalas, Sean Ringgold, Melinda Colon Cox and Aldo Marin. We would also like to recognize board member Berto Colon who participated via Zoom.

Ways you can Give Some Extra Luck to

D.I.P.G. Warriors This Month:

This Women’s History Month, the Cristian Rivera Foundation proudly recognizes the incredible women on our Board. Their continued dedication helps make our mission possible.

The Late Miriam Colon

Honorary Board Member

This March, 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 March, 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 March, 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