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.

Just as he was about to turn 23, 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, or doing good on the ground for all people to flourish, we are thrilled to have established the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund under the auspices of the Passion Center in September 2023 on the first anniversary of his birth and death.

From September 2023 onward, 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 people through the organizations chosen.

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. Its mission is simple yet profound: to carry forward Daniel’s legacy of love and kindness by supporting organizations that serve children born into crisis, children with disabilities, and their families, as well as organizations working to make our country better through education and service so that every person can flourish. Each year, on or around Daniel’s birthday, the funds raised by those touched by DJ’s life are combined 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 their son, Daniel J. Rios, alive through the establishment of this fund and giving circle, where people who knew and loved DJ, and who believe in the family’s values, come together each year to support organizations and create meaningful change. They believe that true legacy is not only found in the memories we hold dear but also in the impact we make on the lives of others.

Daniel’s life, though short, was marked by quiet resilience, profound love, and an unspoken strength that inspired all who knew him. Without words, Daniel taught the Rios family the power of simply showing up and the importance of embodying love and justice in the world. His life reminded them that the greatest way to honor someone’s memory is to continue the good they would inspire us to live out.

For the Rios family, giving is an act of faith and love, a tangible way to extend Daniel’s spirit into the world and ensure his presence continues to inspire positive change. They believe that every act of kindness, every effort to support children with disabilities and/or their families, every stand for justice for all people, and every step toward a better world helps make Daniel’s life matter far beyond the years he was physically present.

The legacy of Daniel J. Rios stands as a beacon of hope, calling the family to create a world that is more compassionate, more just, and more inclusive. Daniel reflected these values through his quiet, unwavering strength.

In their giving, the Rios family also expresses their faith, a faith that calls them to love others and to act as 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 through giving, they are not only preserving his legacy but also building a better, more inclusive world in his name.