Last Monday, the Hats Off For Cancer family lost a great member of the team, one of our Teen Ambassadors, Kevin Cordasco. Kevin was 16-years old and he had been battling cancer since age 9. He is featured in our music video for Sound of Heart (http://youtu.be/PcDonfj_qKY) and in our Public Service Announcement (http://youtu.be/VEIV7W5YlfU). Kevin is an inspiration to us, and to so many that knew him. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to spend time with Kevin and see his courage and passion for life first-hand. Kevin used his life to make a difference, and we are thankful for all that he did!
Below is an article from The Acorn newspaper detailing Kevin’s accomplishments and his battle with cancer:
Community mourns loss of Kevin Cordasco
A vigil will take place this evening between 7 and 9 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village to remember the life of Kevin Cordasco, a 16-year-old Calabasas teen who died March 11 following his long bout with neuroblastoma.
The much-loved Calabasas High School junior was diagnosed with the disease at 9 and was recognized throughout the community as a beacon of courage in the face of insurmountable odds.
During his ordeal, Kevin had been in and out of hospitals in three different cities searching for a cure. He endured multiple surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments and fought his way through a number of relapses with spirit intact.
As he was being named Honorary Mayor for the City of Calabasas in January, Kevin said his parents, Kevin Sr. and Melodie, and younger brother, Cade, encouraged him to be strong and resilient.
“Our city is grieving alongside the Cordasco family over the loss of their beloved son and brother,” said Mary Sue Maurer, mayor of the city.
Even after doctors ran out of options to slow his disease, Kevin refused to give up. Maurer said Kevin and his family symbolize the spirit of the community. His mantra was “courage, strength and believe.”
“That is what he personifies for this community,” said C.J. Foss, Calabasas High principal.
“Kevin has been and continues to be a tremendous inspiration to students and staff at CHS. His courage, positive spirit and joy for living came through anytime you talked to him or talked about him,” Foss said.
In addition to being named Calabasas Citizen of the Year in 2008, he received the A.C. Stelle Middle School Courage Award when he graduated from eighth grade. He also was honored by the Calabasas boys’ basketball team as the team’s Most Inspirational Player.
Foss said students at CHS are making plans for a special memorial in honor of Kevin.
Kevin Cordasco will rest in the company of heroes in the Garden of Valor at Pierce Brothers in Westlake Village. His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Fri., March 15 at St. Bernadine’s Catholic Church, 24410 Calvert St., Woodland Hills.
There will be a procession to Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village followed by a 1p.m. reception at the Westlake Village Inn at 31943 Agoura Road.
The public is welcome to attend.
Link to article: http://www.theacorn.com/news/2013-03-14/Community/Community_mourns_loss_of_Kevin_Cordasco.html
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