Cristian Rivera Foundation

06/18/2026

Congratulations to the Chairwoman of the Board, Melinda Colon Cox on a huge promotion!

Melinda is now the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at New Jersey Community Capital.

We are so proud of all the hard work you do for New Jersey Community Capital, The Cristian Rivera Foundation, and beyond.

We wish you all the best in your new roles. We know you will crush it!

We love you 10!

06/17/2026

Donate Today, It's Not Too Late!

Thank you to all of our 9th Annual participants, volunteers, sponsors, and the CRF team for making this event such a success!

We fell only $19,000 away from reaching our $100,000 goal. Every contribution makes a difference and brings us one step closer to supporting the families and community we serve.
No contribution is too small. Your generosity creates a lasting impact in the lives of these Warriors and helps fund critical research and clinical trials in the search for a cure.

CRF's Medical Partner, Dr. Mark Souweidane of Weill Cornell and Memorial Sloan, is launching his new trial in 6 months. This trial aims to help save and extend the lives of our D.I.P.G. Warriors. The trial will cost $2 million to launch and should be the lowest-cost option for patients. CRF aims to contribute $500,000 toward the launch of the trial. WE CAN NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR HELP!

Together, we can cross the finish line and bring hope to families who need it most

The donation link will remain active until Monday, July 13
To donate, visit: cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/donate/

06/17/2026

A special thank you to Danielle Lenardo, a kindergarten teacher and longtime supporter of CRF, pictured here sharing a story time with her students as she reads Unfunny Bunny, written by CRF Board Member/Actor Kenan Thompson.

Thank you, Danielle, for your continued support of our mission. For helping inspire the next generation, and for bringing the joy of reading to young children.

06/17/2026

Happy Belated 5th Birthday, Izzy Cashion! Our beautiful Princess Isabella “Izzy” Cashion turned 5 years old 2 days ago.

We hope your special day was full of magic and laughter. Your courage and persistence inspire us all. We love you 10!

Izzy is currently enrolled in a clinical trial in California. However, the cost of treatment—along with additional medical and travel expenses—is extremely high. Please join us in supporting the Cashions and surrounding them with love in this critical time.

Consider making a tax-deductible donation for Izzy and her family by visiting:

cristianriverafoundation.org/help-isabella/

06/16/2026

Last night, our founder, John Gungie Rivera, along with CRF board member and actor Kenan Thompson, had the pleasure of having dinner at Quality Italian with the Lenardos.

Tony Lenardo and his beautiful wife Danielle have been top supporters of our foundation for over a decade.

Tony Lenardo was one of the highest bidders for the dinner with Kenan at our 16th Annual Gala at Cipriani last year. In fact, Tony is one of the highest bidders each year for this dinner, among other experiences.

This dinner has become a tradition.

Also pictured is their daughter Dionna.

To the Lenardos, thank you for all you do. We love you 10!

06/15/2026

THANK YOU! What an amazing turnout for our 9th Annual CRF Full Steam Ahead 5K this past Saturday!

To all our runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and the CRF team: we could not have done it without you.

We are short $25,000 of our $100,000 goal. Please donate. The donation link for our 9th annual 5K will be live until July 13th. To donate, follow here cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/donate/!

The funds raised from this year's 5K will help advance research and clinical trials while also supporting children and families affected by D.I.P.G.

Thank you and “Full Steam Ahead”

06/14/2026

Happy National Children's Day! Today, we are honoring all the children who have and will face D.I.P.G. This tumor has taken far too many lives. Help us make a difference and end D.I.P.G.

CRF directly supports families who are facing this devastating diagnosis and funds groundbreaking research. One day we will find a cure!

Learn more, donate, and get involved at: cristianriverafoundation.org

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

Cristian Rivera Foundation Board Member and world-renowned miniature model artist, Danny Cortes, on why he is participating in the CRF 5K tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, at Van Cortlandt Park.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE! REGISTER TODAY! Join us in person, participate virtually, or you can register at the walk tomorrow.

Help Us Save Lives! Every step makes a difference! Every donation brings us closer to a cure!

The 9th Annual CRF Full Steam Ahead 5K is tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, 2026! The race will take place at Van Cortlandt Park, across the street from Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, located at 6087 Broadway, Bronx, NY- 251st Street & Broadway (Look for the Turtle & Rabbit Statue).

To register, visit cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/ or if you are unable to attend, support the cause by donating at cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/donate/!

06/13/2026

CRF’s Chairwoman, Melinda Colon Cox, on why she is participating in the CRF 5K tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, at Van Cortlandt Park.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE! REGISTER TODAY! Join us in person, participate virtually, or you can register at the walk tomorrow.

Help Us Save Lives! Every step makes a difference! Every donation brings us closer to a cure!

The 9th Annual CRF Full Steam Ahead 5K is tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, 2026! The race will take place at Van Cortlandt Park, across the street from Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, located at 6087 Broadway, Bronx, NY- 251st Street & Broadway (Look for the Turtle & Rabbit Statue).

To register, visit cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/ or if you are unable to attend, support the cause by donating at cristianriverafoundation.org/crf5k/donate/!