A soo-weet collaboration between entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and BBQ

Hogs for the Cause founders Becker Hall and Rene Louapre
with their inspiration, Ben

This post is dedicated to the memory of Ben Sarrat Jr. for the movement he inspired.

The formula for the first annual pig roast was simple: a few friends, a pig, and a keg. However, when Hogs for the Cause founders Becker Hall and Rene Louapre met Ben Sarrat, Jr., they were inspired to use their pig roast at the Fly to raise money for a family friend in need.

With that newfound motivation and drive, the duo has turned what was an idea for a small, pork infused gathering with friends into a highly anticipated festival that continues to triple in size each year.

In true New Orleans form, Hall and Louapre go back to childhood. Having grown up together, they always considered each other as brothers, and now play the roles of business partners with equal ease. Part of their success can be traced to the evident camaraderie and balance between the businessman and the lawyer, but their conviction and motivation has turned the young professionals into moonlighting entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

In 2009, the two friends and culinary aficionados came up with the idea of hosting a pig-roast, a tailgate tradition from Hall's alma mater at the University of South Carolina, and a surprisingly new concept to New Orleans.

Shortly after they decided to add a philanthropic component to their roast, they met Ben. The young son of a family friend had been diagnosed with DIPG, an incurable brain tumor that cannot be removed because of its location on the brain stem, typically giving those who are diagnosed only one year of survival after detection. Hall and Louapre were taken by Ben's enthusiasm and courage and decided to use their pig roast to raise money to help him and his family. Within a month, Hogs for the Cause was incorporated and registered as a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

"Meeting Ben was a really profound moment for us both, and immediately changed everything," Hall says of this pivotal moment that inspired their endeavor. "Even with such terrible circumstances, he still continued to have a genuine enthusiasm for life. At that point, we decided to do whatever we could to help Ben have the happy childhood he deserved."

In their first year, Hall and Louapre, along with 250 friends, raised $10,000 to help support Ben's family with their expenses. However, they knew they could do more.

The week before their second Hogs for the Cause, Ben tragically lost his battle to DIPG. However, his story only reinforced Hall and Louapre's mission and drive to continue their fundraising for other families. In its second year, Hogs for the Cause drew in 2,500 people and raised $30,000, with a large portion of it going to support families like the Sarrats.

Hogs for the Cause's mission is to alleviate some of the financial burden families face when a child is being treated for pediatric brain cancer. The money raised goes toward grants that help cover the peripheral expenses that insurance does not otherwise pay for, such as travel and lodging expenses incurred during cancer treatment.

Hall and Louapre filled a void of funding resources for pediatric cancer outreach services, as well as another void that New Orleans was ironically missing: pork cook-offs. In 2011, Hogs for the Cause moved from the Fly to City "Pork," where they raised $100,000 for their cause, along with the help of 45 teams battling it out with their pork creations and 7,000 attendees.

And that was only year three.

This year, within three weeks of registration opening, 60 spots were filled with teams of pork enthusiasts, amateur cooks, award-winning BBQ experts, and renowned chefs and restaurant owners. Besides their genuine enthusiasm to support the cause, the teams participate for the opportunity to prove their culinary skills and compete for the ultimate title of Grand Champion. To them, the pork cook-off is merely the grand finale of a year spent practicing recipes and practicing witty twitter banter and intimidation between the teams. (I train my stomach's pork capacity by reading their twitter feeds during this time. I recommend you do the same.)

The participants all compete in several categories, including Ribs, Whole Hog, Butt, Porkpourri, Grand Champion (who must Compete in three of the four aforementioned categories), Best Booth and Presentation, Fundraising Champion, Best Sauce, and Fan Favorite, which gives the fans a voice and opportunity to vote through the Hogs for the CauseiPhone app.

While Hogs for the Cause founders are grateful for the loyalty and enthusiasm of all the competitors, the team members continue to gain recognition for their participation in the competition as well. After winning last year's Porkpourri category, Chef Adam Biderman credited his participation in Hogs for the Cause for the inadvertent loyal following he built before opening The Company Burger last August.

This year, Biderman will be back to defend his title and continue his support to the cause, along with other local chefs, including Aaron Burgau of Patois, Drew Dzejak of The Windsor Court's Grill Room, Chefs Allison and Slade Rushing from MiLa, and Le Petite Grocery's Chef Justin Devillier, just to name a few.

Hogs for the Cause is March, 24th 2012

Hogs for the Cause is March, 24th 2012

Six bands have also been confirmed to perform on theNOLA Brewing stage this year, includingTrombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue,Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, 2012 Grammy nominated artistMarcia Ball, The Stooges Brass Band,Mississippi Rail Company, and Austin, Texas' The Gourds.

While the event now launches the beginning of festival season in New Orleans and continues to grow significantly each year, Hall and Louapre still find that the greatest reward is being able to help their grant recipients.

"The greatest feeling in the world is walking into a room and delivering to a family a sign of hope," said Louapre about his motivation to continue the growth of the annual cook-off. "These are families with odds stacked against them. Their child is fighting against a brutal killer, and to be able to deliver just a small dose of help -- a reassurance that people care and a big hug of humanity -- makes it all worth it."

The entrepreneurial-minded team attributes the growth of their brand to their conviction and passion to help the families in need. And, when asked about where they see Hogs for the Cause in five years, they both agreed on being at the forefront of funding sources for pediatric brain cancer outreach services. Louapre added, "The cook-off will have 125 teams, there will be two stages of live music, and Becker and I (who have known each other our whole lives and are almost brothers) will still be fighting over minor details as we continue to make Hogs better."

Hall's vision includes taking the fundraising to a national level with cook-offs across the country.

While they might already be sparring about the exact coordinates of their five-year benchmark, it's unmistakable that their brotherly dynamic has helped them surpass even their own expectations. So, who's to say it won't all be possible?

The country's largest cook-off and nationally renowned charity based out of New Orleans is merely just a baby step toward what they can accomplish together. What's in store for March 24, 2012? Meatier competition, a new music lineup, larger location in City "Pork," an adult "porkade," frolf (frisbee-golf) games, a new iPhone app, and bigger fundraising goals.

To learn more, purchase tickets, and make a donation, visit their website, and follow them on Twitter and Facebook for all the updates and witty pork puns. Download the iPhone app to learn more about Hogs for the Cause, stay updated with the competition, vote for fan favorite, and purchase tickets.

Pre-Sale General admission tickets for $10, as well as ticket packages that include unlimited food and beer, judging privileges, and access to the "Boss Hog" tent, are available now and can be purchased online or on the iPhone App.

http://www.nola.com/nolavie/index.ssf/2012/01/a_soo-weet_collaboration_betwe.html

Monthly Newsletter January 2012

Happy New Year from the Cristian Rivera Foundation.

January is always a difficult month for us because January is the month when Cristian Rivera lost his hard-fought battle with DIPG after two years. On January 25, 2009, the world lost a smart, brave and all-around remarkable 6-year-old boy. Three years later, we remember Cristian on the anniversary of the day he earned his wings and went to Heaven. Cristian is loved and missed dearly by his father John “Gungie” Rivera, his mother Jenelle Asencio, his big brother JC, his sister Brittnee Hudson, the rest of his family and friends, and everyone at The Cristian Rivera Foundation.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 marked two years since DIPG took the life of another amazing young boy named Javier "Buji" Villamil. During his short life, Buji was a great athlete who loved sports, George Lopez, iCarly and Scooby Snacks fruit snacks. He earned his wings a few months shy of his 12th birthday and will forever be missed by his family—including his mom Rosemary Lora, dad Gabriel Villamil and aunt Fulvia Lora, a committee member with the Cristian Rivera Foundation—as well as his friends and everyone who has had the pleasure to meet him. We at the Cristian Rivera Foundation are keeping Buji and his family in our thoughts and prayers on this difficult anniversary.

Despite the sadness we feel remembering Cristian, Buji and all the young lives DIPG has taken from us, 2012 is shaping up to be a big year for us and the entire DIPG community. Beginning this month, the Cristian Rivera Foundation officially supports the research of Dr. Oren Becher, a pediatric neuro-oncologist who has dedicated his career to improving therapies for children with brain tumors with a particular focus on identifying effective therapies for children with DIPG.

Since setting up an independent study lab at Duke University in 2010, Dr. Becher’s six-person lab has sought to solve the mysteries behind the cause, make up and cure of DIPG tumors using genetic mouse models of cancer. The lab currently generates 10-15 DIPGs per month in their mouse colony and uses the tumors to both study the biology of DIPG and to evaluate the efficacy of new cancer drugs. Through this research, Dr. Becher says he and his team are now starting to understand all of the genetic changes that DIPGs harbor, thanks in part to tumor tissue from Cristian Rivera that was donated after he passed away.

“We have analyzed all the genes in Cristian’s tumor and we learned that Cristian’s tumor had the most common genetic driver that is known to drive the formation of DIPG. Approximately 30 percent of DIPGs have this common genetic driver,” said Dr. Becher. “Coincidentally, I used the same genetic driver to develop a DIPG mouse model. So in my opinion, if we can identify drug combinations that can cure our genetic DIPG mouse model, these drug combinations will also be active in children with DIPG whose tumors harbor this common genetic driver.”

We’re proud that Cristian’s tumor tissue has been such an instrumental part of Dr. Becher’s research and we look forward to supporting and funding his work. As you know, we already support the work of Dr. Mark Souweidane and this month, he finally begins his pioneering clinical trial aimed at finding a cure for DIPG by using convection-enhanced delivery (CED) to administer radio immunotherapy to children with DIPG. Dr. Souweidane officially received FDA approval for the trial on Thursday, December 29, 2011, which is expected to begin in the last week of January. Twelve patients will be selected.

We are so excited that Dr. Souweidane’s path to a cure has finally gotten the green light, so imagine our reaction when we also heard that Dr. Souweidane performed his first DIPG biopsy on a young girl named Olivia Boccuzzi on Friday, January 6. Olivia was only 22 months old when she was diagnosed with DIPG on September 21 of last year. After six weeks of radiation and medication, an MRI showed that Olivia’s tumor exhibited a significant amount of necrosis, explained Olivia’s mother Enza. Olivia’s parents consulted with Dr. Souweidane, who agreed to perform the biopsy and, after one night in the ICU, we’re proud to report that Olivia returned home and the operation was a success.

All these huge steps toward a cure empower is to continue working tirelessly in Cristian’s name to find a cure for the disease that took his young life. Please help us get even closer to our goal of curing DIPG once and for all by visiting http://cristianriverafoundation.org/donation.html and making a tax-deductible donation via Paypal. You can also mail a check to the Cristian Rivera Foundation at 40 West 37th Street, Suite 402, New York, NY 10018. Every donation big or small brings us closer to curing DIPG and we appreciate all of the amazing support we have received so far.

One Cristian Rivera Foundation committee member in particular has shown amazing strength and courage in the fight against DIPG and Cristian Rivera Foundation founder John “Gungie” Rivera wanted to take a moment to recognize her for her dedication to our cause.

As founder of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, I would like to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude to one of our most active and dedicated committee members, Solange Osorio. Solange has been a committee member basically since the foundation began and even though she has never had or lost a child to DIPG, she has shown more devotion to finding a cure and comforting and helping DIPG families than anyone I know. She selflessly dedicates time from her busy schedule every week and has even put her education second to the needs of the DIPG community. She volunteers at every Cristian Rivera Foundation event, attends many other DIPG events, and has provided the décor for every Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala, even going so far as to skip shopping for her outfit to the Third Gala just to make sure that everything was running smoothly. Solange has shown amazing compassion towards DIPG families and has been the communicator between the foundation and the DIPG community. I communicate with the doctors and certain foundations, and she deals with everyone else. She always remembers to send a Christmas card to a DIPG family, an email to find out how a sick child is doing, a message of encouragement in tough times, an acknowledgment of DIPG Angel anniversaries and everything in between. She is well-known within the DIPG community for the kindheartedness and care she puts into every interaction. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for being my friend and standing by me in my quest to rid the world of DIPG. For this and so much more, I Love Her.

Everyone at the Cristian Rivera Foundation is grateful for Solange’s contribution, along with the donations and support we receive from every member of the Cristian Rivera Foundation family. Remember to visit www.cristianriverafoundation.org, which we’ve recently revamped with new tabs with informative DIPG content such as ongoing clinical trials, helpful information for understanding DIPG biopsies, and the latest news from the Cristian Rivera Foundation and the entire DIPG community. You can also make a tax-deductible donation on our website, or purchase Cristian Rivera Foundation merchandise, like official foundation wristbands, t-shirts, wood beaded bracelets and necklaces with your choice of bronze or silver charm. The official Cristian Rivera Foundation Merchandise Catalog is available for you to download and show your friends, family and colleagues all of the exciting products we offer in support of our cause. Also make sure to follow us on Twitter @tweetcrf and on Facebook at www.cristianriverafoundation.org to get the latest updates on all our upcoming events.

Next month, the Cristian Rivera Foundation will host a special charity performance of DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre in Times Square. DC-7 is a bilingual musical that tells the amazing story of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, one of the most beloved figures in the history of Major League Baseball. The Society of the Educational Arts (SEA), under the direction of Manuel Moran, has partnered with Cristian Rivera Foundation founder John “Gungie” Rivera and Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Members Ralph Mercado III and Miriam Colon to bring this amazing production to New York for a limited run.

DC-7 was recently nominated for 7 ATI Awards (Independent Theater Awards), including Best Musical. The show has already won 6 ACE Awards from the Latin Critics Association, including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Book for writer-director Luis Caballero, Best Actor for Modesto Lacen, Best Actress for Lorraine Velez and Best Supporting Actress for Xiomara Rodríguez.

Visit www.teatrosea.org to find out more about the show and keep checking our website, Facebook and Twitter for the latest details on dates, times and ticket prices for our special night at the theater. We look forward to seeing you there and we look forward to all of the great things ahead for us in 2012. Full Steam Ahead!

Sincerely,
“Cristian’s Mommy” Jenelle Asencio, John “Gungie” Rivera “Forever Cristian’s Daddy,” and all of the members of the Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee: Aldo Marin, Alex Garcia, Andy Epstein, Anthony Mason, Camilo, Carlos Colon, Carlos Keyes, Dr. Bear Walker, Dr. Ben Velazquez, Carlos R. Colon, Dolores Catania, Doug E. Fresh, Edward Caban, Elis Pacheco, Fernando Ferrer, Fulvia Lora, Funkmaster Flex, Hamlet Peralta, Jaison Newring, Jay Hernandez, Jeff Lavino, Jerry Chaparro, Jerry Salerno, J.I. Starr, Jim Jones, John “Jelly Bean” Benitez, Johnny Nuñez, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” Joseph Mbeh, Kamar De Los Reyes, Karen Cerna, Katie DeFlorio, Kenan Thompson, Khaliah Ali, Little Louie Vega, Luis Guzman, Manuel Alejandro Ruiz (Boy Wonder), Mark Rosner, Matthew “Mateo” Rajkumar, Melissa Chung, Miriam Colon, Murray Richman, Odalys Molina, Pablo Diaz, Ralph Mercado III, Ramon E. Javier, Ray Wong, Ricardo Cardona, Rickie Ricardo, Robert Vazquez, Ruben Sierra, Solange Osorio, Steve Cox, Tedsmooth, Tony Ferrara, Victor Martinez, Vito Bruno, William Padilla and William Pla.

Community comes out to support 5-year-old cancer patient

By Katie Sullivan ksullivan@timesshamrock.com
She doesn't know Zach Cadwalder or have any affiliation with his family, but when Jessica Kane heard about the fundraiser that will benefit the sick 5-year-old, she knew she wanted to be a part of it.

"I'm a teacher, and it's terrible to see a child sick. So, anything you can do," she said.

Ms. Kane was one of hundreds who came out to support the Cadwalders after the Green Ridge family found out in November that Zach had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma - an inoperable brain tumor. The family takes Zach to an experimental clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland for treatment.

Family and friends pulled together to make sure the family had what they needed to get by.

"It's devastating news; he really is the strongest person we know," said relative Gabrielle Kasaczun, who helped organize the event. "We decided we had to do something to raise money."

With a large picture of Zach dressed in a purple baseball uniform - his ears poking out from his cap, clutching a bat and flashing a toothy grin - displayed in the middle of St. Mary's Center on Friday night, hundreds of people came to eat, drink and buy raffle tickets.

The proceeds go toward the young boy's medical care and travel expenses as Zach undergoes radiation and chemotherapy five days a week. His family said his attitude is as positive as ever.

"He's very brave. He's happy and outgoing," Ms. Kasaczun said of her little cousin.

Zach's aunt, Lauren Washo, said the family can only be grateful for the overwhelming support shown for the 5-year-old.

"He's our superhero," Ms. Washo said.

Ms. Kane said working with children as a pre-kindergarten teacher has shown her a lot about the spirit of young kids like Zach.

"They have a wonderful ability to bounce back," she said. "They have an inner strength you wish adults had sometimes."

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com

www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/community-comes-out-to-support-5-year-old-cancer-patient-1.1260755#ixzz1kWWepAQz

An experimental xenograft mouse model of diffuse pontine glioma designed for therapeutic testing

J Neurooncol. 2012 Jan 10. [Epub ahead of print] An experimental xenograft mouse model of diffuse pontine glioma designed for therapeutic testing. Aoki Y Hashizume R, Ozawa T, Banerjee A, Prados M, James CD, Gupta N. Department of Neurological Surgery and Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave., Rm M779, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0112, USA.

The prognosis for diffuse infiltrating pontine gliomas (DIPG) remains extremely poor, with the majority of patients surviving less than 2 years. Here, we have adapted standard xenograft techniques to study glioma growth in the mouse brainstem, and have utilized the mouse model for studying a relevant therapeutic for treating DIPGs. bioluminescence imaging monitoring revealed a progressive increase in signal following the injection of either of two tumor cell types into the brainstem. Mice with orthotopic GS2 tumors, and receiving a single 100 mg/kg dose of temozolomide showed a lengthy period of decreased tumor luminescence, with substantially increased survival relative to untreated mice (P < 0.001). A small molecule inhibitor that targets cdk4/6 was used to test AM-38 brainstem xenograft response to treatment. Drug treatment resulted in delayed tumor growth, and significantly extended survival. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using an orthotopic brainstem tumor model in athymic mice, and for application to testing therapeutic agents in treating DIPG.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22231932

The Cristian Rivera Foundation mourns the loss of Samuel Tyler Kidd

Samuel Tyler Kidd

Monday January, 9 2012 was a sad day for the entire DIPG community as Heaven gained another DIPG Angel. Eleven-year-old Samuel Tyler Kidd lost his battle with DIPG at 9:30 that morning. His parents, Mark and Mindy, will always remember him as vibrant, fun-loving, caring little boy. He had a huge heart of pure gold and always smiled no matter what. Tyler put up a brave fight against DIPG and was an example of incredible courage and strength. The Cristian Rivera Foundation extends our sincerest sympathy and condolences at what is surely an unimaginably difficult time for Tyler's family and friends. Samuel Tyler Kidd will always stay in our thoughts and prayers.

A Special Thanks to Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Member Solange Osorio

Cristian Rivera Foundation
Committee Member
Solange Osorio

As founder of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, I would like to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude to one of our most active and dedicated committee members, Solange Osorio. Solange has been a committee member basically since the foundation began and even though she has never had or lost a child to DIPG, she has shown more devotion to finding a cure and comforting and helping DIPG families than anyone I know. She selflessly dedicates time from her busy schedule every week and has even put her education second to the needs of the DIPG community. She volunteers at every Cristian Rivera Foundation event, attends many other DIPG events, and has provided the décor for every Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala, even going so far as to skip shopping for her outfit to the Third Gala just to make sure that everything was running smoothly. Solange has shown amazing compassion towards DIPG families and has been the communicator between the foundation and the DIPG community. I communicate with the doctors and certain foundations, and she deals with everyone else. She always remembers to send a Christmas card to a DIPG family, an email to find out how a sick child is doing, a message of encouragement in tough times, an acknowledgment of DIPG Angel anniversaries and everything in between. She is well-known within the DIPG community for the kindheartedness and care she puts into every interaction. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for being my friend and standing by me in my quest to rid the world of DIPG. For this and so much more. I Love Her.

FDA Officially Approves Clinical Trial Headed By Dr. Mark Souweidane

Dr. Mark Souweidane, a neurosurgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering and the Director of the Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center, officially received FDA approval on Thursday, December 29, 2011 for his pioneering clinical trial aimed at finding a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Dr. Souweidane will be selecting 12 patients for the trial, which is expected to begin in the last week of January. The innovative use of convection-enhanced delivery (CED) will be the first of its kind to administer radio immunotherapy to children with an otherwise incurable tumor. The doctor has worked for the past 12 years to cure the inoperable tumor, which takes the life of 200 children in the United States every year, typically within three to 18 months after diagnosis.

11-year-old Victim of Brain Tumor Exhibited Zest Beyond Her Years She raised $350,000, participated in medical trials and did 100 paintings.

By Sandy Strickland

While she was dying from a brain stem tumor, 11-year-old Ellie Kavalieros showed others how to live. 

She participated in a painful vaccine trial that she knew probably wouldn't save her but would provide valuable data for those diagnosed in the future. 

She inspired events that brought in more than $350,000 for a research fund in her honor. 

She did 100 paintings and had a show at the Cummer Gallery of Art & Gardens. 

She dressed as a banana last Halloween, her favorite holiday. 

The Jacksonville Country Day School sixth-grader died at home on Christmas Day with her big stuffed kitty and the blanket that swaddled her as a newborn in the crook of her arm. 

So inspiring was her story that she received 107 messages of condolence on a tribute page. 

"She lived every day to its fullest," said her father, Nick Kavalieros. "She was passionate about the way she lived." 

The Jacksonville native was diagnosed in May 2010 with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, an inoperable brain tumor and deadly pediatric cancer. There is no cure. 

After agreeing to the vaccine trial designed to stimulate her immune system, Ellie and her parents made about 13 trips to Pittsburgh for the experimental vaccine. Most people with the disease live nine months, said Kavalieros, adding that she lasted longer than the 14 or so others in the trial. 

"She fought for 19 months and largely because she did love life so much," he said. "A lot of the reason she lived as long as she did and fought as long as she did is that she looked past all the deficits, the pain and the frustration that this horrific disease gives you and found laughter, love and that quality of life that she needed." 

Her brain images became a major topic at pediatric brain conferences across the world because she was so unorthodox in how the disease affected her and how she fought it, he said. 

She met celebrities, such as Tim Tebow and tennis player Roger Federer, and had a touching phone conversation with surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm to a shark and inspired Ellie in times of frustration, said her mother Lisa. 

The "A" student also was an avid surfer and tennis player who enjoyed being outdoors and trying new things such as scuba diving or unusual cuisine. When her body stopped working, she met the challenge of being inside by turning to art. 

It was difficult because she would breathe so hard and fast that her chest would heave up and down for days, Kavalieros said. A week before she died, she painted for hours at the kitchen table barely able to prop herself up. 

The Kavalieroses said they are grateful for the care she received from pediatric oncologist Michael Joyce at Nemours Children's Clinic and the staff at Wolfson Children's Hospital, where she spent many weeks. 

Friends and classmates raised money for the research fund through birthday parties, lemonade stands, cookie sales, a rock concert, a golf tournament, a haunted house designed by a Mayo surgeon who is their neighbor and a 150-mile bike ride made by a family friend in Massachusetts and 13 of his friends. Donations may be made to The Ellie Kavalieros DIPG Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,www.jimmyfund.kintera.org/Ellie-DIPG. 

Other survivors include two younger sisters, Mila and Penelope, and grandparents Theodoros and Aphrodite Kavalieros and Jack and Rosemary Arnold of Jacksonville. 

A celebration of her life will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Deerwood Country Club, 10239 Golf Club Drive.

For more on her life, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliekavalieros. (You must be a registered user of Caring Bridge to see this page. It is free to register.)

The Cristian Rivera Foundation Helps Raise Over $7500.00 for DIPG Research

Pictured Above From Left to Right:Cristian Rivera Foundation Founder John "Gungie" Rivera, Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Member Chef Ricardo Cardona, Founder of the Mikey Czech Foundation Steve Czech, and The Winner of The Auction

The Cristian Rivera Foundation and Committee Member and Celebrity Chef Ricardo Cardona helped raise over $7500 at the 4th Annual "Moms for Mikey" event, held at The Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT in memory of DIPG Angel Mikey Czech. The Cristian Rivera Foundation donated an event package with Chef Cardona that was auctioned at the fundraiser gala on Saturday November 19. The lucky winner bid $7500 to have Chef Cardona come to their home and cook for 10 people. One server, food and wine was included in the winning bid. The Cristian Rivera Foundation also donated a baseball autographed by New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, which was auctioned off as part of a gift basket. We are proud of the work being done by the Mikey Czech Foundation and are happy to help in whatever way we can, so that together one day we can rid the world of DIPG once and for all.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Cristian Rivera Foundation

The Cristian Rivera Foundation would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. DIPG has taught us how important it is to appreciate those we love and we give thanks for those who are with us, as well as those who have gone on to Heaven, at this joyous time of year. Together we will work tirelessly so that one day we'll be able to give thanks for DIPG's cure as well.

The Cristian Rivera Foundation Donates $100,000 to Dr. Mark Souweidane of Weill Cornell Medical Center at Third Annual Gala

Thanks to overwhelming ticket sales, live and silent auction purchases, and donations associated with this year’s Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala, John “Gungie” Rivera was proud to present Dr. Mark Souweidane with a check for $100,000 at the star-studded event. 

John was joined on stage by all of the Cristian Rivera Foundation committee members in attendance - including former Bronx Borough President and mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer, celebrity chef Alex Garcia, actress and founder of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Miriam Colon, celebrity chef Ricardo Cardona, legendary producer John “Jellybean” Benitez, former New York Knicks all-star Anthony Mason, La Mega’s JI Starr, concert impresario Ralph Mercado III, interior decorator Solange Osorio and professional body builder Victor Martinez - or this historic moment. 

The event was held at the newly re-launched Copacabana Supper Club and Event Space in Times Square and hosted by Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson and award-winning actor Luis Guzman, both committee members of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. It featured a 30-minute band set by legendary pop/Latin singer Brenda K. Starr and food provided by Celebrity Chefs Ricardo Cardona and Alex Garcia. Among the night’s esteemed guests were Danielle Staub of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, comedian Ruperto Vanderpool, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York City Comptroller John Liu, Dangerous Minds actor Renaly Santiago and, of course, Dr. Souweidane, the Director of the Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center who took this opportunity to announce that his one-of-a-kind novel delivery system has gotten approval from the FDA and clinical trials will start in a few weeks. 

You can still help the Cristian Rivera Foundation raise money for Dr. Souweidane’s exciting and important work. Visit www.cristianriverafoundation.org to make a donation, or to purchase signature foundation t-shirts or one of our three styles of wristbands. All money raised goes directly to Dr. Souweidane and his team, and every donation, big or small, helps us get closer to our goal of curing DIPG forever. For photos of the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundaiton Gala, visitwww.cristianriverafoundation.org/gala3 or www.facebook.com/cristianriverafoundation.

John "Gungie" Rivera and Kenan Thompson's Interviewed on Visiones

Tickets for the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala Are Going Fast!!!

Show your support for the Cristian Rivera Foundation by attending the Third Annual Crisitian Rivera Foundation Gala on Monday, September 12, 2011 from 6pm to 10pm at the Copacabana Supper Club- located in Times Square at 268 W. 47th St. between Broadway and 8th Avenue. 

The Gala will be hosted by Saturday Night Live and Nickelodeon Star and Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Member Kenan Thompson and award winning actor Luis Guzmán.

There will be red carpet arrivals for our esteemed committee members and high-profile guests.  A cocktail hour, followed by dinner with unlimited food and drinks provided by some of New York’s finest restaurants as well as a live and silent auction.Cocktail attire required.

For more developments on the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala, including additional hosts, entertainment and live and silent auction items, please continue to check this event, as it will be updated often.

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CRISTIAN RIVERA AND IN OUR QUEST TO FIND A CURE FOR DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA (DIPG).

Your attendance will mean the world to the Cristian Rivera Foundation and will help save the lives of children suffering from Pontine Glioma.

All proceeds from your ticket purchase go toward finding a cure for Pontine Glioma.
Click here to buy your ticket today.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GALA SPONOSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENTS 

Cristian Rivera Foundation August 2011 Newsletter

Greetings from the Cristian Rivera Foundation.
August is here and for the Cristian Rivera Foundation, that means there’s only one month to go until our Third Annual Gala.

Tickets are selling fast for what’s sure to be a star-studded event on Monday September 12 at the newly-relaunched Copacabana Supper Club and Event Space. Join our friends, family and esteemed committee members as we celebrate the life of Cristian Rivera and raise money for the important research that will one day develop a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Hosted by Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Members, Saturday Night Live and Nickelodeon star Kenan Thompson and award-winning actor Luis Guzmán, the Third Annual Gala kicks off at 6pm with red carpet arrivals for our committee members and honored guests, followed by a cocktail hour and sit-down dinner catered by some of New York’s top restaurants. Among the many exciting happenings, you will also get the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences in our live and silent auctions, including private dinners catered by Celebrity Chefs Ricardo Cardona and Alex Garcia, and an autographed photo of boxing legend Muhammad Ali carrying the Olympic torch, along with many other items.

For more information on the event, and to purchase tickets, visitwww.cristianriverafoundation.org/events.html. Even if you are unable to attend, any donation big or small is a much-appreciated step toward our goal of curing Pontine Glioma forever.

Many of you did come out in support of the Cristian Rivera Foundation last month as we held our Second Annual Mini-Fundraiser at The Bronx’s Latin Kitchen on Thursday, July 14. We’d like to thank everyone who made the event an amazing success, including Committee Members Robert Vazquez and DJ Lucho, who sponsored the event. Committee members Steve Cox, Fulvia Lora, and Solange Osorio were on hand to help produce the event and committee members Tedsmooth and DJ Wreck kept the crowd dancing all night long.

The Cristian Rivera Foundation was also featured at last month’s Latin Mixx Conference & Latin Mixx Awards 2011. The event, held July 19-21, included an award show held at The Stage at The Times Center in New York, where we educated attendees about the horrors of DIPG. John “Gungie” Rivera, the founder of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, was there to honor the nominees as well as give a speech about the loss of his beloved son and how he began the foundation. He also touched on the positive progress being made towards making Pontine Glioma history. In addition, one of our esteemed committee members, Little Louie Vega, was honored at the three-day conference. The Latin Mixx Icon Award reception for DJ Little Louie Vega was held at Cielo. Little Louie received the DJ Icon Award surrounded by friends, family and fans all happy to celebrate his impact on the Latino community. Congratulations, Little Louie. You deserve it.
Little Louie Vega, and all of our esteemed committee members, can celebrate the addition of a new member to our Cristian Rivera Foundation team: former Major League Baseball All-Star Ruben Sierra. The celebrated Puerto Rican-born outfielder has played for many of the league’s top teams during his accomplished career, including the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, and the New York Yankees.
Another significant player in the effort to rid this world of the effects of Pontine Glioma is Cristian’s mommy, Jenelle. Titled “Mommy’s Journal,” Jenelle introduces herself and explains her own fight against DIPG and the great pain that it causes. She goes into detail about how she is helping to support the cause of this foundation by going back to school to become a nurse, so that she can help ensure that no other family has to deal with this immense amount of grief. Despite the loss of her boy and the emotional rollercoaster heaved upon the family, Jenelle says, “Don’t feel sorry for us, help us”. Jenelle addresses how she and Cristian’s father may have dealt with the loss in different ways, but that they are both extremely involved in the cause and are working toward finding a cure for DIPG. To read her journal, please visit the Cristian Rivera Foundation’s website and click on “Mommy,” found under the Journal tab. It is obvious that Cristian’s life not only touched his mommy and daddy but will now touch millions. 

Please help us in our quest for a cure by logging on towww.cristianriverafoundation.org, where you can find all the latest news, photos and videos, and follow us both on Twitter @tweetcrf and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cristianriverafoundation. Please let your Facebook friends and Twitter followers know about the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Mention us on your social networking page and direct others to our website, where they can make a donation or purchase a signature foundation wristband, T-shirt or “On The Right Track” pendant from Joan Hornig Jewelry. And of course, make sure to purchase your tickets to the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala on Monday September 12 at Copacabana.

Thank you and may 2011 be the year we say goodbye to Pontine Glioma forever.

Sincerely,

Cristian's Mommy Jenelle Asencio, John “Gungie” Rivera, “Forever Cristian’s Daddy,” and all of the members of the Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee: Aldo Marin, Alex Garcia, Andy Epstein, Anthony Mason, Aurora Flores, Boy Wonder, Carlos Keyes, David Maldonado, DJ Camilo, Dr. Bear Walker, Dr. Ben Velazquez, Dr. Mary Saleeby, Doug E. Fresh, Edward Caban, Elis Pacheco, Fernando Ferrer, Fulvia Lora, Funkmaster Flex, Hamlet Peralta, James R. Cotto, Jay Hernandez, Jeff Lavino, Jeninha Lopes, Jerry Chaparro, J.I. Starr, Jim Jones, Jimmy Rodriguez, John “Jelly Bean” Benitez, Johnny Nuñez, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” Joseph Mbeh, Kamar De Los Reyes, Katie DeFlorio, Kenan Thompson, Kenya Bradix, Khaliah Ali, Little Louie Vega, Luis Lucho Concepcion, Luis Guzman, Marianela Gonzalez, Marissa Gonzalez, Mark Rosner, Matthew “Mateo” Rajkumar, Melissa Chung, Miriam Colon, Murray Richman, Odalys Molina, Pablo Diaz, Ralph Mercado III, Ray Wong, Ricardo Cardona, Robert Vazquez, Ruben Sierra, Solange Osorio, Steve Cox, Tedsmooth, Tony Ferrara, Vic Latino, Victor Martinez, Vito Bruno and William Pla.

Cristian Rivera Foundation July 2011 Newsletter

Greetings from the Cristian Rivera Foundation.

Welcome to the Cristian Rivera Foundation’s July Newsletter. This month we celebrate our second anniversary and kick off our third year with a successful event, a look ahead at the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Fundraiser Gala and a new committee member.

But first, we want to send our best wishes to Jordan Malave. John “Gungie” Rivera is glad that he’s gotten to know Jordan and his family, and even saw Jordan after his kindergarten graduation on Thursday June 23. However, Jordan took a turn for the worse in June. He went for an MRI and in just two months his tumor has gotten bigger and developed a lesion. Out of everything we do in our fight against Pontine Glioma, the most important thing is the families. Whether their child is one of the 200-300 diagnosed with the disease every year in the United States or their child has already earned their wings, the Cristian Rivera Foundation cares about all of them. John and the entire Cristian Rivera Foundation are hoping that Jordan’s health will begin to improve and we will do everything possible to help him and his family.

That includes raising awareness of Pontine Glioma and raising money that will fund promising research into its cure. We accomplished both of those goals with our Salsa Fundraiser at Latin Quarter on Wednesday June 29. Hosted by La Mega 97.9 FM’s JI Starr, the event was a great success. Committee Member Jose Alberto “El Canario” and his Orchestra performed two sets. Right when the salsa music began, couples were hitting the floor, not only dancing and socializing for enjoyment but simultaneously supporting a great cause. Committee Member Ralph Mercado III, aka DJ Wreck of La Mega 97.9 FM, helped keep the music going all night along with DJ Norty Coto. Among the night's guests were Committee Members celebrity chef Ricardo Cardona, real estate agent Fulvia Lora, co-founder of independent record label Cutting Records Aldo Marin, designers Joseph Mbeh and Ray Wong, "The Remix King" DJ Tedsmooth, Red Entertainment Group Founder Carlos Keyes, Dr. Ben Velasquez, event promoter Jerry Chaparro, Latin Kitchen co-owner Robert Vazquez, "Las Gemelas Lulu y Lala" of X96's Luis Jimenez Show, founder of Pay Up Management Elis Pacheco, businessman Jeff Lavino and legendary music producer John "Jelly Bean" Benitez.

This month we’re expanding our Committee once again by welcoming Jeninha Lopes. Lopes has garnered attention over the years with BET Jazz as a host and producer, specializing in many projects with the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and touring with both JALC and Wynton Marsalis as producer of the television series "Journey With Jazz at Lincoln Center" for six years. She has also been a talk show host along with Ralph McDaniels on Radio New York’s "Late Night Love Talk."

We are happy to have Jeninha join the Committee and we hope that all of you will join us on Monday September 12 for the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Fundraiser Gala at Committee Member Alex Garcia’s newly-launched Copacabana Supper Club, located in the former China Club space. Details of the event will be announced in future newsletters, as well as on our websitewww.cristianriverafoundation.org. To keep up with the latest news on the gala and the Foundation, visit our Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/cristianriverafoundation and follow us on Twitter@tweetcrf.

Please let your Facebook friends and Twitter followers know about the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Mention us on your social networking page and direct others to www.cristianriverafoundation.org, where they can make a donation or purchase a signature foundation wristband, T-shirt or “On The Right Track” pendant from Joan Hornig Jewelry. Any donation, big or small, helps bring us closer to our goal of curing Pontine Glioma forever.

Sincerely,

John “Gungie” Rivera, “Forever Cristian’s Daddy,” and all of the members of the Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee: Aldo Marin, Alex Garcia, Andy Epstein, Anthony Mason, Aurora Flores, Boy Wonder, Carlos Keyes, David Maldonado, DJ Camilo, Dr. Bear Walker, Dr. Ben Velazquez, Dr. Mary Saleeby, Doug E. Fresh, Edward Caban, Elis Pacheco, Fernando Ferrer, Fulvia Lora, Funkmaster Flex, Hamlet Peralta, James R. Cotto, Jay Hernandez, Jeff Lavino, Jeninha Lopes, Jerry Chaparro, J.I. Starr, Jim Jones, Jimmy Rodriguez, John “Jelly Bean” Benitez, Johnny Nuñez, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” Joseph Mbeh, Kamar De Los Reyes, Katie DeFlorio, Kenan Thompson, Kenya Bradix, Khaliah Ali, Little Louie Vega, Luis Lucho Concepcion, Luis Guzman, Marianela Gonzalez, Marissa Gonzalez, Mark Rosner, Matthew “Mateo” Rajkumar, Melissa Chung, Miriam Colon, Murray Richman, Odalys Molina, Pablo Diaz, Ralph Mercado III, Ray Wong, Ricardo Cardona, Robert Vazquez, Solange Osorio, Steve Cox, Tedsmooth, Tony Ferrara, Vic Latino, Victor Martinez, Vito Bruno and William Pla.


Show your support for the
Cristian Rivera Foundation.

Help Us Find a Cure for Pontine Glioma

Cristian Rivera Foundation Walk-A-Thon is a Huge Success!

The participants in the Cristian Rivera Foundation Walk-a-thon proudly holding up the Foundation banner after they concluded the walk-a-thon.

At 9 AM this past Sunday, April 17th, 2011 Cristian Rivera Foundation supporters trickled into the Roberto Clemente State park in the Bronx wearing Cristian Rivera Foundation t-shirts and wristbands to show their support in finding a cure for DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma).

The Walk-for-Health was created to inspire community consciousness and raise funds to help fight a variety of ailments that affect our community. This year the focus was on fatal pediatric brain stem tumors and benefited The Cristian Rivera Foundation.

The Cristian Rivera Foundation's mission is to help find a cure for Pontine Glioma brain stem tumors, which ultimately claimed Cristian's young life. The Cristian Rivera Foundation donates all monies raised to hospitals and foundations researching cures for Pontine Glioma through medical trials and scientific research. For instance, the Cristian Rivera Foundation actively supports Dr. Mark Soudweidane of the Weill Cornell Medical Center, who has formed a clinical trial that will aim to bypass the blood-brain barrier and treat Pontine Giloma tumors directly. The Foundation also donates to public awareness campaigns that seek to raise community consciousness regarding this terrible disease.

Proud friends, family and supporters joined Cristian Rivera Foundation committee members; Deputy Inspector Edward Caban, La Mega 97.9 FM's On-Air Radio Personality J.I. Starr, The Remix King DJ Tedsmooth, Marketing Company Owner Elis Pacheco, Interior Designer Solange Osorio, Talent Agency CEO Carlos "Keyes" Fernandez, Renowned DJ and Business Impresario Ralph Mercado III, Art Director for Lillian August Design Katie DeFlorio, Music Producer and Cutting Records Owner Aldo Marin, Real Estate Agent Fulvia Lora and Cristian Rivera Foundation Founder John "Gungie" Rivera to begin the 5 mile walk through the Roberto Clemente State Park.

The Hudson River Café donated water bottles which were passed out by happy volunteers cheering the walkers on. The walk concluded with a group picture and pledges to come back for the next walk-a-thon.

Support the Cristian Rivera Foundation at the 4th Annual Walk for Health Walk-a-Thon

Time to bust out those walking shoes …the 4th Annual Walk for Health Walk-a-Thon PONTE-EN-FORMA is coming to Roberto Clemente State Park on Sunday April 17th from 10am-2pm. Every year, event sponsors the Diversity Foundation and The National Puerto Rican Parade choose charitable causes important to the community to benefit from the money raised. This year, they'e chosen the Cristian Rivera Foundation. As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to sign up, the Cristian Rivera Foundation also offers a series of walk-a-thon packages including signature foundation wristbands and t-shirts, as well as $25 gift certificates to Hudson River Café and Havana Café.

Walk-A-Thon Registration

$10 Registration $10.00 $20 Registration $20.00 $30 Registration $30.00 $40 Registration $40.00 $50 Registration $50.00 $100 Registration $100.00

Click here to see all of the available packages and to register for this five-mile walk. It’s a great workout for a great cause with some great gifts, so sign up today and we’ll see you there! Even if you can’t make it, you can still donate to the Cristian Rivera Foundation.

For more information, call 212-779-2222.