About Us
Our Story
The Cris'Hope Foundation is dedicated in honor of Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez. Our mission is to bring Suicide Awareness & Prevention by sharing our story. Cristian had a beautiful soul, kind spirit and was loved by his family and friends. That love transcends through bringing awareness through acts of love and giving back to the community.
Empowering/Supporting students with The Cristian Gabriel Memorial Scholarship. We want to continue to share Cristian's love & kindness in his memory.
Cristian lost his life on October 21st, 2018. As his mother, I will never fully say with confidence that my child meant to take his life. I do acknowledge the fact that perhaps he was going through something at that moment. An impulsive thought that lead to impulsive action. A feeling he was not able to navigate and cope through in a moment in time. Cristian loved basketball and had a passion for the game. Cristian played for many teams in the community. Cristian attended Veterans Memorial HS, Grant Middle School, and Dawson Elementary. Cristian was a wonderful son and loved his family. Cristian was a selfless child, he was the type of kid who would go out of his way to help anyone. I've heard countless stories from Cristian's friends who say he helped them through difficult times, encouraged them to keep pushing forward and always managed to put a smile on someone else's face. Cristian did not fit the mold or stigma that is attached to suicide. Cristian was quit the opposite. He was happy, smiling, friendly, and actively social. Cristian was loved by his peers and a well rounded individual. So I ask what went wrong? How did this young man, my child fall victim to such a tragedy? We may never know, however as I stated perhaps an intrusive impulsive thought lead an impulsive action that ended in an accident a tragedy. The inability to cope with certain situations in our lives can take us to places we thought we would never go. To students, parents, educators, community, the importance of learning how to cope is crucial in prevention of impulsive actions that may lead to accidents and ultimately suicide. We need to open up a clear line of communication & start conversations on coping skills /strategies to help navigate through stressful situations.
Our Mission
At The Cris'Hope Foundation, our mission is to provide Suicide Awareness and Prevention resources to support mental health and wellness in our community. Our HOPE is to unite community, end the stigma, and start the conversations and turn the focus on Your story Matters!
Through our CRIS'HOPE walks we strive to bring about change by sharing our story, bringing community leaders and organizations together in support of raising awareness, providing resources and support in mental wellness.
Empowering and supporting students with scholarships. Spreading kindness and awareness through acts of love to local organizations in honor of our son Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez.
Scholarships
The Cris’Hope Foundation proudly offers the Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship to outstanding students in our community through the Coastal Bend Foundation and the Cris’Hope Foundation. Empowering the next generation of leaders, scholarship applications are available from December 15th through March 1st.
To embark on this opportunity, please click here.
Meet Our Founder
Christine Martinez inspires hope through The Cris'Hope Foundation. After losing her teenage son, Cristian, to suicide, she honors his memory by providing scholarships and hosting suicide awareness & prevention walks. Through her dedication, she strives to prevent others from enduring similar heartache while actively participating in community kindness initiatives.
Her commitment to kindness shines as she collaborates with various organizations and nonprofits. Your story matters! Together, we can save lives and uplift each other. We can inspire others and embrace the power of connection. Let's make a difference together. You matter; your story matters.