“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”

— Delia Owens

This event sells out every year! Don’t Miss Out!

Secure your seats and join us for another
impactful evening in the fight against D.I.P.G.

Purchase your seats today by visiting

cristianriverafoundation.org/17th-annual-crf-celebrity-gala/

9/13/2002 – 1/25/2009

Cristian’s journey was far too short, but the impact of his life continues to reach families, inspire hope, and fuel the fight against D.I.P.G.

His courage became the foundation for a mission dedicated to raising awareness, supporting research, and standing beside children and families affected by this devastating disease.

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Izzy Cashion

Izzy became a big sister to little baby Quinn!! Congratulations to the Cashion family on their newest addition!

She is headed back to California for CAR T-cell infusion number 7.

She just earned a certificate of advancement for swimming. She started learning shortly before her diagnosis, and this is a special milestone. She is also starting kindergarten this year.

We’re so proud of you, Izzy.

D.I.P.G. Robbed Another Life

Sofia Ayers

May 9th 2020 – August 17th 2026

We are devastated to announce that D.I.P.G. warrior Sofia Ayers passed away on August 17, 2026.

Her smile could light up every room, and her joy was infectious to those around her. She will be forever missed.

Sofia’s passing is a harsh reminder that, although we have made progress, we are still far from where we need to be.

D.I.P.G. Warrior

Alexa Huber

D.I.P.G. Warrior Alexa is happy to report, after her most recent MRI, that her tumor is stable!

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson Family Foundation

Our beloved Board Member has started his own charitable organization, the Kenan Thompson Family Foundation!

Dedicated to community empowerment, Kenan’s foundation is focused on providing life-changing opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, and community development. They have already awarded scholarships to 7 kids!

Kenan Thompson serves as President and CEO, with his brother Kerwin Thompson as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary/Treasurer.

We are so proud of you, Kenan! We love you 10!

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!

Join us in wishing a happy birthday to D.I.P.G. Warriors Lily and Lisha this month!

You both inspire us every day. We hope you and your families have great, fun celebrations.

We love you 10!

Join us this September in raising awareness for childhood cancer! We’re raising awareness for D.I.P.G. a pediatric brain cancer. Educate yourself and others, donate, and get involved with our charity events. Together, we can raise awareness and push towards a cure!

Congratulations on 90 Years!

Huge congratulations to Goya on their 90th anniversary! What an amazing milestone. Goya has touched the lives of many, not only through their products, but through their philanthropy as well.

Thanks to Goya’s National Director of Public Relations, Rafael Toro,  who serves as a member of our board, they have been a proud supporter of CRF for well over a decade.

On International Day of Charity, we’re reminded

that giving has the power to create hope, support families, and make a lasting difference.

At the Cristian Rivera Foundation, your support helps fuel the fight against D.I.P.G. Donations help fund critical research, raise awareness, and provide resources and support to children and families facing this devastating disease.

Charity Day 2026

On September 11, our founder, John “Gungie” Rivera, and CRF Board Member Kenan Thompson had the honor of attending Cantor Fitzgerald’s Annual Charity Day Event to represent CRF!

We are honored to stand among all the amazing charities and celebrity guests for a fourth year in a row!

This event raises millions for more than 150 charities worldwide. Funds earned from this event go directly to supporting our D.I.P.G. warriors!

This September, 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 September, 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. Although 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 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 2025/26 Video Below

Sincerely,
Cristian Rivera Foundation