Michael Cuccione

Michael Cuccione (January 5, 1985 - January 13, 2001) was a Canadian actor/singer born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. His parents are Dominic and Gloria Cuccione. He had a older sister, Sophia and a younger brother, Steven.

Illness and awareness

On July 1994, when Michael was 9, he was diagnosed with 2A Hodgkins disease, a form of cancer affecting the lymph nodes. It was treated with five months of chemotherapy, but returned the following year and his second bout with the disease metastized to his lungs. He required massive doses of chemotherapy, a bone-marrow transplant and twelve radiation treatments around his heart and lungs. He was cancer-free but the treatment left him with permanent lung and respiratory problems.

Related Topics:
July - 1994 - Hodgkins disease - Chemotherapy - Metastize - Lungs - Bone-marrow transplant - Heart

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Michael became a well-known campaigner for cancer research and awarness. The singer/actor established the charitable Michael Cuccione Foundation for Cancer Research, and turned his love for music into his fundraising effort by recording a five song CD titled "Make a Difference". He also co-authored a book with his grandmother titled "There are Survivors" about his experiences. His effort eventually raised $500,000 (CDN) which was donated to the B.C. Children's Hospital. Michael made many in-person appearances on television, radio, at schools and hospitals and other fundraising events.

Related Topics:
Michael Cuccione Foundation for Cancer Research - Make a Difference - There are Survivors - B.C. Children's Hospital

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