The biggest gala in New York that deals with pediatric brain cancer happens to be the Cristian Rivera Foundation.
My long-time friend John Rivera lost his beloved son Cristian to a very rare brain cancer known as D.i.P.G. 16 years ago.
Yesterday would have been Cristian’s 22nd birthday.
Throughout the years John has vowed to help find a cure. He has helped raise money and awareness from day one.
It always seems to me that Cristian’s sacrifice has helped extend the lives of so many children who would not of lived as long.
The Gala for the Cristian Rivera Foundation has been a thing of beauty.
I find it incredible how so many people including some of the biggest celebrities in the world come out every year.
To see Kenon Thompson of Saturday Night Live fame tirelessly support the cause because of his love for John Rivera and Cristian melts my heart. When I see Luis Guzman, one of Puerto Rico’s biggest stars ever contribute so much, it is incredibly inspiring.
Luis is presently in Ireland shooting season two of the Adams Family ( Wednesday ). In between takes he took the time to shoot a congratulatory video to the terrific Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres. Ironically Gleyber would hit a big homer to help beat the Red Sox 2-1. Gleyber gave Luis a big assist because of the inspiring video.
Since joining the Yankees Gleyber has done many philanthropic activities throughout the New York area. The one that really touched my heart in so many ways was when he met a young boy with cancer named Zach. They spent a beautiful day together just talking about life the way two kids would. When it was time to play the game Gleyber said goodbye and wished him well. As Gleyber was walking away Zach called him back and asked Gleyber if he would hit him a home run. Gleyber smiled and said I will try. Zach said I know you will. Well the Gods must have heard that conversation because on the first pitch that Gleyber saw he hit the Home Run.
Gleyber got the ball back and wanted to give it to Zach himself. Unfortunately, Zach took a turn for the worse and Gleyber was never able to give him the ball. Zach has been gone almost 5 years now and Gleyber still holds on to that ball. Maybe this year at the Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala he can present the baseball to Zach’s parents.
Thank you Gleyber for all you have done.
