All
of us at CRF are deeply heartbroken by the passing of our beloved
D.I.P.G. warrior, Maria Kuenster Beavers. She will be profoundly
missed.
Maria
touched all of us with her strength, her spirit, and the
grace she carried even through the hardest moments. Maria and
her family shared a special relationship with our founder,
John “Gungie” Rivera, who said, “Maria’s courage fuels our
own. In her honor, and in honor of every child who has faced
D.I.P.G., we continue fighting with everything we have so
that one day, no family will ever have to endure this pain
again.”
Maria,
we love you 10, and we will never stop working as hard as we
do until there is a cure for D.I.P.G.!
All
of us at the Cristian Rivera Foundation wish you a Happy
Thanksgiving! We are deeply grateful for everyone who
supports our mission and stands with us in the fight against
D.I.P.G.
For
our 17th Cristian Rivera Foundation Annual Celebrity Gala
DISCOUNTED SEATS ARE
ON SALE NOW.
This
event sells out every year! Don’t wait to secure your seats
at an amazing price and join us for another impactful evening
in the fight against D.I.P.G.
We are
proud to welcome Marisol A. Chalas as our newest Board
Member. She will serve as a Board Supporter!
A
trailblazing Army aviation leader and the first Latina to
pilot a Black Hawk helicopter in the National Guard, she
brings exceptional expertise in strategic operations, global
logistics, budgeting, and government engagement.
Recognized
by Forbes, the White House, and international institutions
for her impact across military, civic, and policy arenas, COL
Chalas is a decorated leader whose vision and experience will
greatly strengthen our mission.
Marisol
shares: “Every child deserves the chance to grow up, to
dream, and to live a full life. That is why I am so
passionate about joining the Cristian Rivera Foundation.
​Seeing
the devastation caused by DIPG—and the incredible strength of
the families fighting it—has lit a fire in me. I am joining
this family not just to raise awareness, but to fight for a
future where no parent has to hear that there is ‘no cure.’
Cristian’s legacy is one of love and hope, and I am proud to
help carry that torch forward.”
Marisol,
we are honored to welcome you and excited to make a
difference together!
Sean Ringgold
November 3rd
Jellybean Benitez
November 7th
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!
November
27
We
would also like to send some extra special birthday wishes to
D.I.P.G. Warrior Emiliano Bermejo!
Emiliano
was diagnosed with D.I.P.G. at just 2 and a half years old.
His parents refused to give up hope, calling over 100
organizations, until they connected with the Cristian Rivera
Foundation, who immediately brought them to NYC to receive
Convection Enhanced Delivery from CRF’s medical partner Dr.
Mark Souweidane. His tumor has shrunk by 50% over time. He is
now part of the 1% club, surviving with D.I.P.G. for over 5
years! Emi is known for his radiant smile and positive
spirit, and he now has hope thanks to CRF.
Happy
Birthday Emi! We Love You 10!
Our
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.
This
November, we remember and honor the birthdays and
Angelversaries of these beloved children. 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.
November
is a time to 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.
This
month, we honor the Angelversaries of these brave children.
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 November, 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
Founder:
John “Gungie” Rivera
Chairman of the Board:
Melinda Colon Cox
Board Members:
AJ Calloway, Aldo Marin, Berto Colon,
Carlos Colon, Danny Cortes, Darlene Rodriguez,
Edgar Berlanga, Fernando Ferrer, Gio Urshela,
Jarrad Seuferling, John Jellybean Benitez,
Kenan Thompson, Luis Guzman,
Meiling Macias Toro, Malik Yoba, Paul Pristavec,
Rafael Toro, Rena Kliot and Sean Ringgold
Board Friends:
Maggie Meehan, Mark Rosner,
and Michael V. Narvaez
Supporters:
Edward Caban, Marisol A. Chalas,
and Steve Cox
Honorary Board
Members:
The Late Anthony Mason
and The Late Miriam Colon
2018, 19, 20,
21, 22,23, 24
Awarded 7 Consecutive Years
