Kenan Thompson and John Gungie Rivera Present Record-Breaking $365,000 Gift from the Cristian Rivera Foundation to Advance DIPG Research at Weill Cornell Medicine
On the evening of January 3, 2026, the Cristian Rivera Foundation (CRF) marked a major milestone in its mission to cure Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) with the presentation of a $365,000 donation – the largest single gift in the Foundation’s history – to support pioneering research at Weill Cornell Medicine.
CRF Chair/Founder John Gungie Rivera and Board Member, actor, and comedian Kenan Thompson presented the check to Dr. Mark Souweidane, Co-Director of the Children’s Brain Tumor Project (CBTP), during a special dinner held at Campagnola Restaurant in New York City.
The record-setting contribution will directly support Dr. Souweidane’s innovative research efforts at Weill Cornell Medicine focused on developing more effective, targeted treatments for children diagnosed with DIPG, a rare and universally fatal pediatric brain tumor.
John Gungie Rivera, Founder and President of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, said:
“In memory of my son, Cristian, we are committed to break this record every year. And we did it again! This is the largest donation we have ever made, and it speaks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters and our deep confidence in Dr. Souweidane’s work. We are determined to keep pushing forward until better treatments – and ultimately a cure – are within reach.”
Dr. Souweidane, an internationally recognized leader in pediatric neurosurgery and DIPG research, expressed his gratitude for CRF’s continued partnership, emphasizing that philanthropic investments of this magnitude are essential to accelerating discoveries that can change outcomes for children and families.
The check presentation served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when advocates, researchers, and community leaders unite around a shared purpose. Through sustained commitment and bold investment in science, the Cristian Rivera Foundation continues to drive meaningful progress in the fight against pediatric brain cancer.
Funding for this gift was raised through the Foundation’s ongoing fundraising initiatives, including the Annual CRF Celebrity Gala, which was held on November 16th at Cipriani Wall Street (save the date for Tuesday, November 10, 2026!). CRF’s next signature event is its annual 5K Run/Walk, taking place on June 13th at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
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More information about the Cristian Rivera Foundation, its programs, or how to get involved.
About the Cristian Rivera Foundation
The Cristian Rivera Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and supporting families affected by this devastating disease. Through collaboration with leading medical institutions and a commitment to funding groundbreaking research, CRF strives to improve outcomes and inspire hope for children battling this rare, universally fatal pediatric brain cancer.
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