Local child actor’s foundation gives $5-million to hospital

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Michael Cuccione Foundation has donated $5 million to BC Children’s Hospital, for cancer research. The gift comes just two days before the 10th anniversary of the young man’s death.

Michael was diagnosed with cancer at the age of nine. He was only 16 when he died, but had already accumulated TV credits, was appearing in front of audiences to talk about cancer research, had co-written a book about his life, and had issued a CD of songs, with proceeds going to his foundation. By the time he died of a respiratory illness, he had already raised $2 million for research.

“We want to continue it. He was an amazing boy. He was so positive. It makes it so much easier for us as a family to want to continue his legacy,” says his father Domenic Cuccione.

The $5-million donation will fund research at the Michael Cuccione Foundation Childhood Cancer Research Program, at BC Children’s Hospital.