Go out into the world and do good until there is too much good in the world!

—Larry H. Miller

The Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund was born out of the profound impact of a remarkable young man's life. Daniel, affectionately known as "DJ," illuminated the world with his radiant spirit despite facing the challenges of disabilities caused by hospital negligence. If you were blessed to meet him in person or via social media you already know he was a quiet strength with lasting impact.

On his 23rd birthday, 9/22/22, Daniel departed from this earthly realm, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love and an enduring smile that touched countless lives. To keep his memory alive and bless others who care for children born in crisis and/or special needs, we are thrilled to have established the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund under the auspices of the Passion Center in September 2023 on the anniversary of his birth and death.

From September 2023 on, the Memorial Fund will dedicate itself to spreading smiles and providing essential support to those who need it most. Contributions to the fund will directly impact the lives of families through the organizations chosen, offering them a helping hand, a listening ear, and a reason to smile even on the toughest days.

The Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund aims to create a lasting impact that reflects the love, courage, and resilience DJ embodied.

Join us in this heartfelt endeavor. Let's turn DJ's memory into a beacon of hope for families in need of support. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a difference and honor his legacy most beautifully. Award recipients will receive a list of all donors so they can be thanked individually.

Thank you in advance for your donations and for remembering Daniel "DJ."!

ABOUT THE DANIEL J. RIOS MEMORIAL FUND

In honor of Daniel's memory and indomitable spirit, his parents established the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund. The mission is simple yet profound: to perpetuate Daniel's legacy of love and kindness by supporting organizations that serve children born into crisis and perhaps with disabilities and their families. Each year, on or around Daniel's birthday, they gather the funds raised by people who were touched by DJ's life and combine them with a gift from Daniel's own fund, to bless a worthy nonprofit organization.

Rios Family

PHILOSOPHY

The Rios family is committed to keeping the legacy of Daniel J. Rios alive through the establishment of this fund and giving circle where people who knew and loved DJ and what the family stood for come together once a year to impact organizations and make things happen. They believe that true legacy is not only in the memories we cherish but also in the impact we make on the lives of others. Daniel’s life, though short, was filled with resilience, love, and an unspoken understanding of the world's deepest needs. His journey taught the Rios family that the greatest way to honor someone’s memory is by continuing to do the good that person would have done, by embodying the love and justice they would have stood for.

Giving, for the Rios family, is an act of faith and love—a tangible way to extend Daniel’s spirit into the world, to ensure that his presence continues to inspire positive change. They believe that every act of kindness, every effort to support children with disabilities and promote inclusion within communities, is a way to make Daniel’s life matter beyond the years he was physically present. The legacy of Daniel J. Rios is a beacon of hope, driving the Rios family to create a world that is more compassionate, more just, and more inclusive—values that Daniel himself represented in his quiet strength.

In their giving, the Rios family also sees a reflection of their faith, a faith that calls them to love others as they were loved by Daniel and to be the hands and feet of God in the world. It is through this philosophy of love, justice, and faith that they continue to honor Daniel’s memory, believing that in giving, they are not only preserving his legacy but also building a better world in his name.