alt= /JOIN THE FIGHT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE. PLEASE VISIT WWW.MAKINGADIFFERENCE.ORG TO PURCHASE YOUR BLUE BAND IN THE SUPPORT OF THE FUNDRAISING DRIVE AIMING TO BEAT CHILDHOOD CANCER.
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
ABOUT MICHAEL
At a very young age, Michael James Cuccione pledged to 'Make A Difference' against the fight with childhood cancer. Although Michael, who won his battle with this disease, passed away at the tender age of 16 due to respiratory complications; he continues to 'MAKE A DIFFERENCE' in all our lives and impact us in so many ways. Michael James Cuccione was born on January 5th 1985 in Burnaby, British Columbia Canada and was raised in Coquitlam, a community near Vancouver on Canada's west coast. Michael was blessed with many talents: he was an actor, a dancer, a singer, a songwriter, a public speaker and most important of all... he was a dedicated crusader for the fight against cancer. Michael would describe his life as almost perfect with a loving family: father Dominic, mother Gloria, older sister Sophia and younger brother Steven. In an instant however, Michael's life changed forever. At the tender age of nine on Steven's six birthday, Michael was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Michael, who received six months of chemotherapy responded very well to the treatment; he was pronounced cancer free. However approximately 1 year later he relapsed, the cancer had returned. Michael would receive another round of chemotherapy as well as bone marrow transplant. Michael wrote his own songs and produced a record entitled "Make a Difference"; the revenues from the CD sales were used and still continuing to do so to fund local cancer researchers. Michael met with the foundation representatives at the BC Children's hospital and was asked where he would like the funds administered? He replied " A want to fund young researchers because if we don't they will not be here in the future". With this, Michael Cuccione Foundation Fellowship was formed, and endowment for $500, 000. From Michael's CD sales, he raised a total of $130, 000 and with this, Michael formed the official Michael Cuccione Foundation. In October of 2000, Michael attained one of his many dreams to fund a full time cancer for a lifetime through the endowment with BC Children's hospital. Michael, who was cancer free for six years and was given 'a clean bill of health' however, passed away on January 13th 2001. Though his life was short, Michael's legacy and impact he has left on us will live on in our hearts.
ABOUT THE CAUSE
One of the most devastating events that can occur within a family is to be informed that their child has been diagnosed with cancer.Presently very little is know about the underlying causes of childhood malignancies as the majority of research dollars raised are spent on investigating adult forms of cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the Michael Cuccione Foundation has worked diligently to change this through the generous support from the public. The funds raised by this foundation are donated in memory of Michael Cuccione, founder of the Michael Cuccione Foundation, to support various research programs across Canada and the United States.In his short lifetime, Michael achieved many goals; however, he was most passionate about "making a difference" in this world and dedicated himself to helping find a cure for this disease. This was his vision; he wanted this for the children. Sadly on January 13th 2001, Michael lost his battle due to respiratory complications.Since his passing, the foundation has been committed to spreading Michael's message and keeping his dream alive. With all the love and support from the individuals Michael continues to inspire, perhaps one day... Michael's dream of eradicating this disease will be a reality.As Michael phrased,ONE PERSON CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH, BUT TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
