Valentine’s Day was always one of Cristian’s favorite holidays so as much as I love him and miss him every other day, today I love him and miss him even more. I remember when Cristian was at Memorial Sloan Kettering one Valentine’s Day and he wrote out little Valentine’s Day cards for all the nurses. He told each one of them that she was his one and only, and wouldn’t you know that little ladies man got caught. He just played it off with a smile. And he got away with it. That’s something only Cristian could do. I really miss him. Today I released two heart-shaped red balloons up into the sky for him. They went so high that I lost sight of them. I’m sure they reached him up in Heaven, where he is watching over me and sending me his love right back, on this day and always.

Despite this difficult day, this week was a great one for the foundation. The concert Saturday at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts was a big success. Not only did we raise money for the foundation through some of the proceeds from the concert, but we accomplished the main goal, which was to raise awareness. Victor Manuelle and Elvis Crespo both wore the CRF wristband on stage and many of my friends and Committee Members were there to show support. Even on Thursday at the Ladies Night Out Valentine’s Edition, Sisqo and Keith Sweat wore the wristband when they performed at the Theater at MSG. I’m grateful to these great artists and friends who are helping me spread the word about Pontine Glioma and, in turn, raise the money that will help cure it.

John “Gungie” Rivera
Forever Cristian’s Daddy