September 2025 Newsletter

Happy Birthday Cristian, We Will Always Love You 10!

Cristian Alexander Rivera, the beloved son of our Founder, was born on September 13, 2002. Every September, we honor his memory and

the incredible impact his life continues to have. This year, Cristian

would have turned 23.

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every step we

take toward finding a cure for D.I.P.G.

We are deeply grateful to our supporters, those who give their time, heart, and resources. Because of you, Cristian’s legacy is not only

remembered but actively shaping a better future for countless

children and families.

September 14, 2005

We would also like to send some extra special birthday wishes

to D.I.P.G. Warrior Lisha Ayala!

Lisha was diagnosed with D.I.P.G. at just 7 years old. Today, her tumor remains stable, and she continues to beat the odds as one of the first known survivors of this devastating disease.

Her journey is a testament to the progress we’re making. Lisha inspires us every day to keep pushing forward, because until D.I.P.G. is a thing of the past, our mission continues.

Happy Birthday Lisha! We Love You 10!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the young warriors and angels affected by childhood cancer, and to shine a light on the urgent need for continued research, support, and hope.

At the Cristian Rivera Foundation, our mission is clear: to help eliminate Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (D.I.P.G.) by funding groundbreaking research, spreading awareness, and supporting families

every step of the way.

This month, we remember the children we’ve lost, uplift those still fighting, and stand in awe of their courage. We invite you to join us in making a difference, because together, we can build a future where no child has to face this disease.

All of us at the Cristian Rivera Foundation pause to honor and

remember those who lost their lives, loved ones, and sense

of peace on September 11th.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to every family and

community impacted by that tragic day. May their memories live on,

and may we continue to stand united in compassion,

strength, and remembrance.

Cantor Fitzgerald Charity Day was nothing short of extraordinary, and we are honored to have participated for the third year in a row! This year’s event raised more than $15 million for over 150 charities worldwide. A special thanks to Kenan Thompson, who proudly represented our foundation, joined by our founder John Gungie Rivera.

Join us for our 16th Annual Celebrity Gala on Wed Nov 12th at Cipriani 55 Wall St, NYC!

This is our most popular event of the year, the evening will include a high-profile red carpet, dinner, live and silent auction, live entertainment, tributes to the wonderful children and families who inspire our fight for a cure, and much more.

Reserve your seats today by visiting

cristianriverafoundation.org/16thannualcrfgala/ . You won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable evening of celebration and hope!

Please Follow Below to View Our
15th Annual CRF Celebrity Gala Highlights

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!

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 September, 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.

September 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 September, 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 2024/25 Video Below

Sincerely,
Cristian Rivera Foundation