Michael Cuccione Foundation Playroom
The Michael Cuccione Foundation Playroom officially opens at the Teck Acute Care Centre
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation recently honoured the Michael Cuccione Foundation for a $3-million gift to fund clinical trials and research into personalised treatments for pediatric cancer at the hospital, and officially revealed the naming of a special playroom for pediatric oncology patients at the Teck Acute Care Centre.
The Michael Cuccione Foundation Playroom was designed with the needs of pediatric oncology patients in mind. The playroom is a space where children living with cancer can come together to play, bond and build community.
“The Michael Cuccione Foundation has passionately supported pediatric cancer research initiatives for more than 20 years. We are proud to honour their commitment to fund research, as well as their dedication to fulfilling Michael’s dream to end childhood cancer.”
— Teri Nicholas, President and CEO, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
The Michael Cuccione Foundation established the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program (MCCCRP) at BC Children’s Hospital, and has raised more than $15 million for childhood cancer research.
Through sharing his own experiences, Michael – who passed away at age 16 – helped create awareness and raise funds for childhood cancer research. The Michael Cuccione Foundation has played an instrumental role in countless projects and research initiatives at BC Children’s Hospital.
The Michael Cuccione Foundation’s most recent gift will help to accelerate bringing a specialized cancer treatment called CAR T-cell immune therapy, for cancers that are difficult to treat with traditional therapies, to BC Children’s Hospital in the new future. This innovative treatment utilizes the patient’s own immune cells to kill cancer cells and brings new hope for children and families living with this disease.
“Michael imagined a world without childhood cancer, and we honour his dream here tonight,” said his mother, Gloria Cuccione. “Our son had a deep understanding of the challenges kids face when they have cancer. They may feel scared, anxious or lonely, but we hope the playroom will give them light during their darkest days. Michael would be very proud today. ”
About BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
As the province’s only full-service, pediatric acute care hospital BC Children’s Hospital serves the one million children living in BC and the Yukon. Since 1982, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation has partnered with kids, families, health professionals, and hundreds of thousands of people across the province to improve and advance care at BC Children’s Hospital, its research institute, and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children.
Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to ensure the hospital is equipped with the most advanced medical technologies, that our researchers have the resources to conduct their ground-breaking work, and that we have the highly skilled health providers needed to care for the province’s sickest children. For more information, please visit www.bcchf.ca.
About Michael Cuccione Foundation
Michael Cuccione was a bright light who inspired many during his short life. Through sharing his own experiences, Michael – who passed away at age 16 – helped raise awareness and funds to support pediatric cancer research. Established in Michael’s memory, the Michael Cuccione Foundation has played an instrumental role in countless projects and research initiatives, including the creation of the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program at BC Children’s Hospital. Michael believed that “although one person can only do so much, together we make a difference.” To find out how you can make a difference and help fulfil Michael’s dream to end childhood cancer, please visit www.childhoodcancerresearch.org.