It all started at a school event for Gio Urshela. Then playing for the New York Yankees, he met John “Gungie” Rivera, founder of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Once they met, they formed a close bond that remains to this day. Even though Urshela is playing for the Detroit Tigers, he is all about the community. That in turn, motivated him to help raise awareness to one day put an end to a brain stem tumor that has yet to have a cure.
How Gio Urshela Gives Back to the Community
The month of May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, raising awareness about brain tumors, promote research and support those affected by the disease. For people like John, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness and create positive change.
“When my son passed away, I founded the organization to find a cure for this rare type of brain tumor,” said Rivera.
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (D.I.P.G) is a rare, inoperable brain stem tumor that affects children between the ages of 2-10. Approximately 200-300 cases are discovered in the United States each year and because there is no cure, it’s young victims only have an average of 3-18 months to live, after they’ve been diagnosed. There have been no survivors. Rivera, who lost his son Cristian to DIPG 15 years ago, wanted to honor him and the children who are currently suffering from this disease.
He founded the Cristian Rivera Foundation.
The Cristian Rivera Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that works tirelessly, in order to raise awareness and funds to one day put a halt to this disease. The Cristian Rivera Foundation funds the work of Dr. Mark Souweidane of Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloane (Kettering) Cancer Center and Dr. Oren Becher, Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital.
“When Gio Urshela was with the Yankees, I was focused on his work off the field,” Rivera said. “I was interested in doing what he was doing off the field, like hosting kids for games at Yankee Stadium. I ran into him at a school event by a Yankees executive. Gio was there, he was a kind-hearted person. I approached Gio to offer what he could do for us and he immediately accepted. The rest is history.”
That’s when Urshela comes into the picture.
Urshela’s Fundraising Efforts
“I was with the Yankees when I met John,” the 32-year-old said. “We got a lot of friends and that’s where I met him. He invited me to the gala and I got involved with the foundation right away,” he added.
Urshela, who hit .292/.335/.480 across his three seasons in the Bronx, is now a board member of the CRF. Every day, the foundation works to raise money for research and clinical trials for DIPG. They have donated more than $3 million to research and clinical trials to date. Last year’s fundraising event raised more than half of million dollars. Among the people who turned out to support CRF were Kenan Thompson of Saturday Night Live, actor Luis Guzman, Harrison Bader and many more.
“Gio’s helped us financially,” Rivera said. “But, he’s one of the guys who’s more than a money supporter. From hosting kids at the stadium to giving well wishes, Gio has been an inspiration and a huge supporter for us. It’s tremendous what he does off the field.”
“I’m blessed to know John for all the work he’s been doing with this organization and trying to find this cure for all patients in the world. We’re in touch every day and the work he’s been doing with the doctors is outstanding. He’s doing a really good job. I support John with everything he’s done.”
Urshela’s Generous Work and Support Leads to Community Awards
Urshela continues to show generous work and support to his community. His dedication to community service was awarded the “Heroes Award” by the CRF in 2021. The veteran also received the “Ambassador Award” from Hackensack University Medical Center. Urshela made many visits to the pediatric wing he de delivered cheer and encouragement to the patients there.
“I got to meet a couple of patients at the gala,” Urshela said. “You feel blessed. Seeing those smiles are just little details why it’s a blessing to make them smile and feel better. It’s something that we’ve been doing for some time, it’s really exciting to be a part of this.”
Personal Connection
One patient Urshela has kept in touch with is Maria Kuenster, who was diagnosed with DIPG in June 2020, shortly after her college graduation.
“She’s a very kind lady. Her journey was going well until her tumor grew 35 percent,” Rivera said. “People like Maria don’t stop Gio from going out of his way to not just support her but others too. He loves sending videos and getting wishes to patients all the time.”
It’s people like Maria and John who have impacted Urshela, who’s built relationships and connections with them through the foundation.
“Gio said something to me the other day that hit close to home. He reminded us that we’re wasting time on Earth if we can’t help others,” Rivera said.
“If we can’t help others, we’re wasting our time,” Urshela added. “I want to leave this Earth feeling I fulfilled something and dedicated to something that’s not baseball.”
Overall, Urshela’s work with the CRF demonstrates his commitment to giving back the community and supporting a meaningful cause. His involvement has made a positive impact on the lives of patients and families affected by DIPG and his dedication to the foundation continues to inspire others.
How to Support and Advance DIPG Research
The best way to support and advance DIPG research is to donate. DIPG is underfunded in regard to other forms of pediatric cancer. CRF has plenty of fundraising opportunities that can help patients.
“We welcome donations,” said John. “Their money is going to good use. 80 percent of each dollar goes to helping a child and towards research. We have tons of information on our website. There’s a wealth of knowledge that’s really resourceful.”
Main Photo: © Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
