Michael Cuccione (5th January 1985 - 13th January 2001) was an actor and singer, most famous for his role as Jason "QT" McKnight in the MTV movie and series "2Ge+her", and a dedicated campaigner for the fight against childhood cancer.
At the age of 9, Michael was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a type of cancer which affects the lymph nodes. He overcame the illness after months of chemotherapy, but it returned the following year. After more treatment, including a bone marrow transplant, Michael was again cancer-free. During his treatment, Michael remained positive and always had a smile on his face!
Saddened by the suffering of the other children he encountered during his time at the B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver, Michael was determined to help find a cure for childhood cancer. The Michael Cuccione Foundation for Cancer Research was established in 1997. Michael toured North America, giving motivational speeches and raising money for his foundation. At the age of 11, he recorded a CD of songs he had written entitled "Make A Difference" (1996), and co-wrote a book with his grandmother, "There Are Survivors: The Michael Cuccione Story" (1998), the proceeds of which help raise money for cancer research.
Michael's message reached a wider audience when he was cast as Jason "QT" McKnight in the MTV movie, and later TV series, "2Ge+her", 'the cute one' in the spoof boy band. Other television credits include starring in Baywatch episode "Charlie" (1997) and an appearance in an episode of Smart Guy. As well as "Make A Difference", other CDs include the movie soundtrack "2Ge+her" and the follow-up album, "2Ge+her: Again", and the posthumous "Messages From Above", which includes 3 previously unreleased songs.
Sadly, on 13th January 2001, just 8 days after his 16th birthday, Michael passed away due to respiratory failure following a minor car accident.
He was a truly inspirational young man who will always be remembered for his positive attitude and his tireless crusade against cancer.
"One person can only do so much, but together, we can make a difference." - Michael Cuccione
"Make A Difference", "Messages From Above", and "There Are Survivors: The Michael Cuccione Story" can be purchased from the Michael Cuccione Foundation website:
http://www.childhoodcancerresearch.org
Also, donations to the foundation can be made on the above website.
For a full list of Michael's achievements, see http://www.childhoodcancerresearch.org/michael_timeline.php.
(read less)Michael Cuccione (5th January 1985 - 13th January 2001) was an actor and singer, most famous for his role as Jason "QT" McKnight in the MTV movie and series "2Ge+her", and a dedicated campaigner for the fight against childhood cancer.
At the age of 9, Michael was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a type of cancer which affects the lymph nodes. He overcame the illness after months of chemotherapy, but it returned the following year. After more treatment, including a bone marrow transplant,...
(read more)
