Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund

In support of the Sunrise Day Camp- Fort Lauderdale mission

As parents of Daniel J. Rios, it is of utmost importance to us to establish the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund, dedicated to preserving our beloved son's memory and extending support to special needs families. While DJ did not battle cancer, his life was marked by a multitude of challenging conditions. For 22 years, our family lived the reality of being a family of a child with special needs, navigating healthcare complexities, countless hospital visits, and striving to provide our son with the best possible quality of life. Throughout this journey, we often found ourselves searching for activities that could involve his caring big brother. This program we are helping to launch not only honors DJ's memory but also creates a unique opportunity for siblings of  individuals with special needs to form bonds, foster understanding and compassion, and share common experiences. As we embark on this journey in our inaugural year, we cannot think of a more meaningful and impactful way to honor our son's legacy and make a lasting difference in the lives of families like ours right here in our South Florida community.  

WHAT IS SUNRISE DAY CAMP-SOUTH FLORIDA?
Sunrise Day Camp–South Florida is a proud member of the Sunrise Association, whose mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide. Sunrise accomplishes this through the creation and oversight of welcoming, inclusive day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered FREE of charge.  CLICK HERE if you would like more information about Sunrise Day Camp. 

WAYS YOU CAN HELP?
While the physical and mental effects of cancer are hard to ignore, the financial impact this disease has on families is often overlooked, and the financial strain of a diagnosis also takes a toll on the siblings. Often the sibling can’t go to after-school activities because money is tight. Additionally, siblings may not be allowed to play with other children for fear of bringing home germs, nor are they allowed to be free with friends and escape the constant worry often found in a home with a chronically ill child. Your support through the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund will make a real difference to children with cancer and their families. It costs approximately $1,000 per camper for the one-week duration of camp. Please help "bring back the joys of childhood" to these children.   

Rev. Hiram & Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Rios 
Parents of Daniel J. Rios- 9/22/99-9/22/22

Samuel Eliu Rios
Older brother 

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED:

Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Efrain Agosto
Stephanie & Darryl Answer
Olivia Bethea
Jaclyn Bonner
Sam Cruz
Elizabeth Dejesus
Carmen Cruz Quintero
Cruciform Church Family
Jason & Jacqueline Ellison
Lizanne Espina
Rosario Fam
The Garced Family
Paula Gardner
Noreen GIllen
Chantain Guerra
Sharon Harper
Jose Humphreys
Earind Jackson
Johnluke & Shy
Matthew & Lezette
L & R Maldonado
Mami, Papi & Sam
Phyllis & Rodney Miller
Emanuel Padilla
Belinda Passafaro
Edna Quiros
David Ramos
Danielle Reeves
Jennifer Reyes
Elizabeth Rios 
Betsy Rivera
Raymond Rivera
Robert Romero
Rosario Fam
Angela Thomas Dupree
Coach Jesse Thompson
Titi Enid
Katherine Tossas
Urban Strategies
Erwin M. Vasquez MD and Elaine Vasquez Family Foundation Fund