Mr. Speaker, today it is a privilege for me to applaud the courage of a young boy from my riding of Port Moody-Coquitlam.
Michael Cuccione, age 12, has experienced personal hardship that few of us have known in his battle through two bouts of Hodgkin's disease. Throughout his ordeal, music has been a source of strength. Now Michael shares his inspiration with young people across North America through his CD called "Make a Difference". His story will be told to many more through the book There are Survivors: The Michael Cuccione Story .
We salute you today, Michael, as you raise more than $100,000 for cancer research.
We salute you today, Michael, as you demonstrate the survival of hope and community to individuals and families across Canada.
We salute you today, Michael, as you communicate that hope to young people particularly, and challenge them to look beyond difference and disability.
We salute you today, Michael, because through the lyrics of your songs you remind us all that "if we do our part we can make a brand new start to make a difference to this world".