The Cristian Rivera Foundation Appoints Esteemed Vascular Surgeon Dr. Nirav Patel to Its Board of Directors
The Cristian Rivera Foundation (CRF) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Nirav Patel, a distinguished vascular surgeon and healthcare leader, to its Board of Directors.
Nirav Patel is a lifelong New Yorker, raised in Queens, with a deep commitment to advancing patient care. A board-certified vascular surgeon with two decades of experience, he specializes in the management of complex vascular disease. He currently serves as the Director of Vascular Surgery for Essen Health Care in the Bronx, where he leads clinical strategy, innovation, and surgical excellence.
‘We are honored to welcome Dr. Nirav Patel to the Board,’ said Melinda Colon Cox, Chairwoman of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. ‘As a physician, Dr. Patel brings not only exceptional medical expertise but also deep compassion for children and families facing devastating diagnoses like D.I.P.G. His dedication will help advance hope for children affected by this disease and aligns with CRF’s critical mission to find a cure. We are excited for the impact he will add and welcome him to the CRF family!’
‘As a surgeon, I spend my days treating disease through procedures and patient care. But healing doesn’t begin or end with an operation; it begins with access, education, and support for patients and families. The mission of the Cristian Rivera Foundation reflects the broader responsibility we, as physicians, have to care for the whole person and the community. I joined the board because this organization turns compassion into action and creates opportunities that truly change lives,’ said Dr. Patel.
Dr. Patel joins a distinguished group of board members, including, but not limited to, Kenan Thompson, star of Saturday Night Live; Luis Guzmán, an acclaimed actor; Malik Yoba, actor and entrepreneur; Darlene Rodriguez, NBC Today in New York anchor; media personality A.J. Calloway; and MLB player Gio Urshela.
‘Dr. Patel’s addition strengthens an already powerful coalition of leaders, entertainers, and advocates on the CRF Board,’ said John ‘Gungie’ Rivera, Founder of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. ‘His medical insight and community commitment bring invaluable perspective as we continue our fight against D.I.P.G. and work to support affected families.’
About the Cristian Rivera Foundation
The Cristian Rivera Foundation’s mission is to create a world without Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (D.I.P.G.) by funding research for a cure, spreading awareness, and supporting affected families. Founded in 2009 by John ‘Gungie’ Rivera after the loss of his son Cristian to D.I.P.G., CRF has contributed more than $3.5 million to groundbreaking research and family support. CRF’s funding has helped achieve significant progress in the fight against D.I.P.G., including clinical trial successes under Dr. Mark Souweidane at Weill Cornell Medical Center and genetic research by Dr. Oren Becher at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. Through fundraising events, outreach, and partnerships, CRF continues to inspire hope and drive innovation toward a future free from this devastating pediatric disease.