$2M for new pediatric cancer research lab

Victoria, BC – $2 million in funding to the Michael Cuccione Foundation will be used to complete a laboratory that supports research into new treatments for childhood cancer.

“The $2 million will be used to complete the Michael Cuccione Laboratory for Pediatric Oncology,” said Gloria Cuccione, Michael’s mother and foundation executive director. “With this dedicated oncology research laboratory, the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children’s Hospital will be able to attract world-renowned scientists who are leaders in the search for a cure for childhood cancers.”

The research will be carried out at the Child & Family Research Institute affiliated with BC Children’s Hospital. Clinical trials will also be conducted at the hospital.

Founded in 1997, the Michael Cuccione Foundation works to fund childhood cancer research, provide emotional support to cancer patients and their families as well as conduct motivational speaking engagements throughout Canada and around the world. The foundation was established by Michael Cuccione, who after being diagnosed with cancer at age 9, began a personal fight against childhood cancer and challenged others to collectively make a difference. Michael beat cancer but died at age 16 from respiratory failure related to his cancer treatments.