Michael Cuccione Foundation donates $5 million to support childhood cancer research

On the 10^th anniversary of Michael Cuccione's passing, his family shows he's still making a difference

The Michael Cuccione Foundation is donating $5 million to support the childhood cancer research program at the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital, now named the Michael Cuccione Foundation Childhood Cancer Research Program. The gift, the largest ever to cancer research at BC Children's, was announced during an event at the research institute, where the program is based.

"We're proud to build on Michael's legacy with this gift," said his mother, Gloria Cuccione. "Since he passed away we've seen tremendous progress in the treatment of childhood cancers thanks to research. Even so, cancer still claims the lives of far too many children, and our fight on Michael's behalf continues."

The donation comes on the 10^th anniversary of the passing of Michael Cuccione whose determination to make a difference led to the creation of a foundation in his name. Michael was born on January 5, 1985 in Burnaby, BC. He was a singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and motivational speaker and became a dedicated crusader in the fight against childhood cancer. Michael won his personal battle with cancer, but died in 2001 of respiratory illness.

"The passion Michael Cuccione showed when he set his sights on fighting pediatric cancer clearly lives on in the hearts of his family and friends," said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children's Hospital Foundation. "He really has made a difference for the many British Columbians whose lives have been touched by childhood cancer."

Twenty years ago, 50 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer in British Columbia died. Today, due to advances in research, clinical care and treatment, Health Canada reports three-year survival rates for childhood cancer exceed 80 per cent. Overall mortality from childhood cancer still exceeds all other major pediatric diseases and the implications of the long-term effects of cancer for young survivors are increasingly profound.

"Support from the Michael Cuccione Foundation has enabled us to recruit and retain leading cancer researchers," said Dr. Kirk Schultz, head of the Michael Cuccione Foundation Childhood Cancer Research Program at the Child & Family Research Institute. "This gift gives our research program the ability to realize critical mass and greater stability, and gives our researchers greater confidence that they can achieve their goals."

The Michael Cuccione Foundation Childhood Cancer Research Program is focused on three main areas of activity: cell signaling and genetics; immunity, immune response and bone marrow transplants; and clinical research.