"Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone."
Summer is finally here! Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the great outdoors, or simply enjoy the warmth of the sun, summer provides endless opportunities to make lasting memories. But that’s not all—summer is also a time for coming together and celebrating. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your favorite sunglasses, and get ready to enjoy some of our upcoming events!
Be sure to purchase tickets for the 15th Annual Celebrity Gala! We are already at 70% capacity! Early bird seats are $1,000 until Sunday, September 8th, so make sure to grab your tickets before prices increase to $1,250.00.
Seats will include hors d’oeuvres, a five-hour open bar, dinner, an award ceremony, as well as live and silent auctions.Through table sales, sponsorships, and donations our Gala will raise money to support clinical trials for DIPG research.
CRF BREAKING NEWS!! We are so happy to announce that DIPG Warrior Lisha Ayala has just confirmed her tumor is stable! A recent MRI scan revealed there has been no activity which is amazing news. This marks nearly 12 years of Lisha living DIPG free. Lisha is the first survivor of those treated by our medical partner, Dr. Mark Souweidane’s, C.E.D. clinical trial, which we fund. She lives as an inspiration to others who are battling the condition, showing that our warriors can lead long, happy and fulfilling lives. This is only proof that our hard work produces results, and until DIPG is completely eliminated, our work will not cease. Congratulations Lisha! We Love You 10!
Our recent discussion with Maria Kuenster, a DIPG warrior of 4 years, has provided us with a new understanding of her inspiring battle with the condition.
Maria, now 26, was first diagnosed with DIPG shortly after her college graduation in June 2020. After experiencing recurring headaches, an MRI revealed the culprit: a brain tumor. Since receiving the news, she has undergone a series of treatments in hopes of stalling the prognosis of the disease. One of the biggest pieces of advice Maria brought up was to have a strong support system. "I’m extremely lucky with my parents and my fiance that they are they for every step of the way." She goes on to say it would be next to impossible to go through these times alone and even says one of the best ways to show support for others going through something similar is to check in and keep checking in as a lot of people tend to fade out after initial diagnosis.
Maria finished by praising the Cristian Rivera Foundation and our Founder John "Gungie" Rivera on how amazing they have been throughout her entire journey. "John has been one of my biggest supporters over the years and especially recently with the second diagnosis. John is someone who regularly checks in. He checked in right when I was diagnosed and still continues to." This sheds light on how important it is to check in and be consistent. It could be the best source of support and comfort for those who are fighting for their lives
In a recent interview, we had the chance to catch up with 30-year old Alexa Huber, who was diagnosed with DIPG in Spring 2020. As a stay-at-home mom, Alexa values spending time with family, staying active, and making the most out of every moment. Though there have been many challenges throughout her journey, she has always remained strong and level-headed. Through her determination, she remains an inspiration to those, especially adults, battling the disease.
Although Alexa knows her diagnosis is a big part of her life for the time being, she chooses not to let it completely define her and her life. For anyone dealing with a similar experience as Alexa, she wants you to know that "You’re stronger than you think you are and it’s okay if you’re not in the moment, but there’s people around you that are there to keep you on that path of strength and to support you when you’re down. You’ll get back to your resilient, strong self."
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 7th Annual Full Steam Ahead 5K on Saturday, June 15th! Your support means our CRF Warriors continue to have a chance at survival through the funding of research programs and clinical trials.
Follow here to watch the video recap of the 5k walk!
Follow Here to view photos of our 8th Annual Boat Ride
All of us at CRF would like to thank everyone who helped us sell out our 8th annual boat ride. We have SOLD OUT for the 6th year in a row.
Thank you to everyone who came out to our 8th Annual Boat Ride on Sat July 13th! We appreciate your unwavering support. For those who couldn’t attend and still want to help make a difference, make sure to donate at cristianriverafoundation.org
Follow here to watch the video recap of the Boat Ride!
The Cristian Rivera Foundation and CRF Board Member Gio Urshela were featured in a full feature article for Forbes Magazine! The article talks about how Gio is actively working to raise awareness and funds for research, and what motivated him to support the foundation.
By participating in fundraising events and leveraging his platform as a professional athlete to highlight the urgent need for research and support for families, Gio has been an amazing board member and we are so proud of him. Check out the full article here
CRF board member Kenan Thompson is teaming up with fellow comedian Kevin Hart on a new series for the 2024 Paris Olympics! The series will be streaming on Peacock and they will be providing commentary and comedic insights into the best and most unexpected moments.
From all of us at CRF, we are so proud of you, Kenan and we love you 10! Check out the official trailer here
Our angels are members of our community who have lost their difficult battles against D.I.P.G. They will always be a part of the CRF family and in sharing their experience with D.I.P.G. we hope to amplify the urgency to find a cure. We work in honor of our angels so that no other child will lose their life to D.I.P.G. again. Let us honor our July Angel birthdays and our July Angelversaries. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. These angels will never be forgotten.
Highlights from the
14th Annual Celebrity Gala:
CRF’s Work and Mission:
Sincerely, Cristian Rivera Foundation
Founder:
John "Gungie" Rivera
Chairman of the Board:
Melinda Colon Cox
Executive Board Member:
Rena Kliot
Committee Members:
AJ Calloway, Aldo Marin, Carlos Colon, Darlene Rodriguez, Edgar Berlanga, Fernando Ferrer, Gio Urshela, Jarrad Seuferling, Kenan Thompson, Luis Guzman,
Meiling Macias Toro, Malik Yoba,
Paul Pristavec, and Rafael Toro
Committee Friends:
Maggie Meehan, Mark Rosner, Michael V. Narvaez, and Steve Cox
Supporters:
David Rodriguez, and Edward Caban
Honorary Committee Members:
The Late Anthony Mason
and The Late Miriam Colon
2018, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24 Awarded 7 Consecutive Years
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2018, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24 Awarded 7 Consecutive Years
