Italian Person of the Year

Michael Cuccione is many things to many people.
He's been hailed a hero for his brave fight against cancer. He's been a role model for his work to raise money and awareness to fight the disease. And he's an up-an-coming singer/songwriter.
Now he can add one more arrow to his quiver of allocades: Cuccione has been named Italian Person of the year by the Confratellanza Italo-Canad-ese, Vancouver- based non-profit group.
Cuccione, at just 15 years old, is the youngest person to recieve the award, which is given to those who bring "pride and honour" to the Italian Canadian community.
He was diagnosed with Hodgin's disease, a cancer that attacked the lymph glands, in 1994, but twice beat the disease. While in the hospital, Cuccione wrote inspirational songs and his resulting compact disc raised money to fight the disease. The Michael Cuccione Foundation was formed in 1996 and has since raised $250,000 for the B.C's Children Hospital.
"He is a very impressive young man," said the hospital spokesman Paul Lethardige, adding the hospital matched the $250,000. "We've never had a donation like this from a former patient. The money will help pay the salary of a person who is spending all his time in pediatric cancer research."
Cuccione will probably not likely be able to recieve his latest award on Oct 7. at the Italian Cultural Centre. He is in the hospital and may undergo surgery in the next few days to correct problems with his diaphraghm which affects his breathing.
"He doesn't want people to worry about him," says his mother, Gloria, yesterday. "He's cancer free. He's doing fine."
"He's looking very good and is anxious to get something done."
"As everyone knows, Michael is a very positive individual."
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