An Interview With John 'Gungie' Rivera, Founder, Cristian Rivera Foundation

FS: Please tell us a little about the organization's history.
JR: The Cristian Rivera Foundation was created when 6-year-old Cristian Rivera, [my] son ... passed away after a two-year battle with Pontine Glioma on Jan. 25, 2009. Along with its many ... committee members, the foundation strives to raise both awareness and funds through fundraiser events, monthly newsletters, media outreach and awareness initiatives such as a month-long billboard campaign on Manhattan’s West Side Highway, which brought the foundation’s message to all who traversed the highly trafficked urban thoroughfare. These methods are designed to educate and enlighten those in the community who are not aware of DIPG and its devastating effect on children and families.