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 continued to 'Make A Difference in our lives
and impact us in so many ways.
Michael James Cuccione was born on January 5th
1985 in Burnaby British Columbia he was raised
in Coquitlam, a community near Vancouver on Canada's
west coast. Michael was blessed with many talents:
he was a singer, songwriter, a dancer, actor,
and motivational speaker and became a dedicated
crusader for the fight against childhood cancer.
He once described his life as almost perfect with
a loving family: father Domenic, mother Gloria,
his sister Sophia and younger brother Steve.
July 25th 1994 everything changed forever! Michael
was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma right on
his brother Steve's seventh birthday. Michael
who received six months of chemotherapy responded
very well and was told he was cancer free. Six
months later in the summer of 1995 after a routine
check up we received the devastating call that
Michael's cancer returned and now he was faced
with a bone marrow transplant with his own stem
cells. Michael was in for the fight of his young
life but always remained positive.
From the beginning of Michael's personal battle
he wanted to make a difference and started to
write his own songs that would give people hope
and help raise funds for childhood cancer research.
He produced his own CD and called it "Make
A Difference" and by the age of eleven years
old he raised $130,000 with the sales of his CD.
A meeting was set up with the President at BC
Children's Hospital and when Michael sat down
he was asked "What do you want to do with
the money you have raised?" Michael said
"I want to fund the young researchers because
if we don't we won't have them in the future".
The President almost fell off her chair with the
incredible insight. This is how the Michael Cuccione
Foundation began.
Michael accomplished more than most people do
in a lifetime. The accomplishments he was most
grateful for was to fund two full time young cancer
researchers for a life time at BC Children's hospital
and helped the sick children. He always worried
about everyone else and stayed strong in his faith,
hope, and love!
Michael's Goals
Michael knew and understood all of the challenges
associated with cancer. He shared his own experiences,
and inspired people with his compassion to make
a difference. He carried with him the true desire
to help other people fight and beat cancer.
Michael made the commitment to help stop the
pain and suffering. With his talents and brave
heart, he dedicated his short life to creating
awareness and raising important funds for childhood
cancer research. He encouraged people to stay
positive, to never give up, and help this important
cause. He wanted to see a cure for cancer in his
lifetime!
