How old was I when Brian Piccolo died?
When Brian Piccolo died of embryonic cell carcinoma at 26 in June 1970, he left behind a wife and three little girls. At 4½ years, I was the oldest.
What school is named after Brian Piccolo?
In August 1973, Orr Middle School, located on the West Side of Chicago on Keeler Avenue, was renamed after Piccolo to the Brian Piccolo Specialty School. In 1980, students at Wake Forest, Piccolo's alma mater, began the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive in his memory.
Who wrote Brian Piccolo's biography?
Piccolo's biography, Brian Piccolo: A Short Season, was written by Jeannie Morris (a journalist whose husband was former Bears teammate Johnny Morris) and featured passages written by Piccolo himself for a planned autobiography. ^ a b cMorris, Jeannie (January 20, 1972). "Young, confident Pic chooses the NFL".
Is Brian Piccolo remarried?
He divorced McNeil in the first marriage, but he was remarryed on December 1, 1973. Joy Murrath Piccolo established the Brian Piccolo Research Fund in 1970 to honor Brian Piccolo. Their friendship was portrayed in the 1971 film Brian’s Song. In 1971, Brian Piccolo’s wife, Joy, remarried.
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Where did Brian Piccolo grow up?
Piccolo was born Oct. 31, 1943 in Pittsfield, Mass., the youngest of three sons of Joseph and Irene Piccolo. But the family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., when Brian was three years old. Piccolo was a star running back at Central Catholic High School in Fort Lauderdale, a school that was later renamed St.
Where did Brian Piccolo go to college?
Wake Forest UniversityBrian Piccolo / CollegeWake Forest University is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, the university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina. Wikipedia
What high school did Brian Piccolo go to?
St.Thomas Aquinas High School1961Wake Forest UniversityBrian Piccolo/Education
What were Brian Piccolo's last words?
Incredibly, the theme from Brian's Song (1971) was so iconic that it was incorporated again thirty years later in the 2001 TV remake. Brian Piccolo's last words were, "Can you believe it, Joy? Can you believe this s***?"
What was Brian Piccolo worth when he died?
Brian Piccolo net worth: Brian Piccolo was an American professional football player who had a net worth of $50 thousand at the time of his death (adjusted for inflation). Brian Piccolo was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in October 1943 and passed away in June 1970.
Who was Brian Piccolo's best friend?
back Gale SayersWILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers died Wednesday at the age of 77. For all that he did on the football field, he is also known for his friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo. Their friendship was depicted in the 1971 movie “Brian's Song”.
What college did Gale Sayers go to?
University of KansasGale Sayers / CollegeThe University of Kansas is a public research university with its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, United States, and several satellite campuses, research and educational centers, medical centers, and classes across the state of Kansas. Wikipedia
Where is Brian Piccolo buried?
He was diagnosed with cancer in November 1969, and, following a heroic and heartbreaking battle to regain his health, died on June 16, 1970. He was 26 years old. Brian Piccolo's funeral was held at Christ the King Church and he was buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Evergreen Park.
When was Brian Piccolo at Wake Forest?
Brian Piccolo, 1943-1970. Brian Piccolo played football at Wake Forest in 1964. Sitting on the shoulders of teammates and fans, junior running back Brian Piccolo scored every point in Wake Forest's 20-19 win against South Carolina in 1963.
Was Brian's Song accurate?
"It was essentially true. They exaggerated Brian and Gale's friendship, but they didn't abuse the story ... I think Brian was a lot more important to Gale than Gale was to Brian." Morris adds that Sayers was very supportive of Piccolo.
Did Brian Piccolo have kids?
Lori Piccolo BrunoTraci Piccolo DolbyKristi PiccoloBrian Piccolo/Children
Did Brian Piccolo's wife ever remarry?
Joy Piccolo remarried three years after Brian's death and she and husband Rick O'Connell continue to work tirelessly for the foundation. She is president of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Foundation, founded after the death of 26-year-old Piccolo on June 16, 1970.
What college did Gale Sayers go to?
University of KansasGale Sayers / CollegeThe University of Kansas is a public research university with its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, United States, and several satellite campuses, research and educational centers, medical centers, and classes across the state of Kansas. Wikipedia
Did Brian Piccolo's wife ever remarry?
Joy Piccolo remarried three years after Brian's death and she and husband Rick O'Connell continue to work tirelessly for the foundation. She is president of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Foundation, founded after the death of 26-year-old Piccolo on June 16, 1970.
Did Brian Piccolo have kids?
Lori Piccolo BrunoTraci Piccolo DolbyKristi PiccoloBrian Piccolo/Children
Where is Brian Piccolo buried?
He was diagnosed with cancer in November 1969, and, following a heroic and heartbreaking battle to regain his health, died on June 16, 1970. He was 26 years old. Brian Piccolo's funeral was held at Christ the King Church and he was buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Evergreen Park.
How Many Surgeries Did Brian Piccolo Have?
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York was the best place for Piccolo because his cancer was so rare. He underwent three major operations, as well as chemotherapy and radiation, over the next half-year, until his death in June 1970.
Who Is Joy Piccolo Married To?
Joy married Rich O’Connell, the owner of a ready-mix concrete company, three years after Brian passed away. In the present day, Joy lives outside Chicago and Marco Island with her husband. She is still actively involved with the Piccolo Foundation, which raises millions of dollars for cancer research.
Did Gale Sayers Remain Friends With Joy Piccolo?
It is true that Sayers and Piccolo were close during their time together on the Bears – they were the first interracial roommates in NFL history – but not their best friends. In a statement, Piccolo’s wife Joy Piccolo O’Connell said her husband’s friendship with Sayers was “a small part of Brian’s life.”.
Did Gale Sayers Really Say He Loved Brian Piccolo?
In a famous line, Sayers said: “I love Brian Piccolo, and I’d like all of you to love him as well.”. Billy Dee Williams, who starred in the movie, released a statement expressing his sadness over the passing of his friend, Gale Sayers.
Who is Brian Piccolo?
Brian Piccolo. Professional Football Player. Famously not picked in the NFL draft after 20 rounds, "Pic", as he was often called, went on to make a career in the National Football League as a running back for the Chicago Bears, despite his small size and slow speed.
Who played Brian Piccolo in the movie?
Brian's life is chronicled in the book "Brian Piccolo: A Short Season" by Jeannie Morris. "Brian's Song", a film starring James Caan as Piccolo and Billy Dee Williams in the role of Gale Sayers was released in 1971. Gale Sayers documented his life and his story with Piccolo in the book "I Am Third".
What was Piccolo's career?
Famously not picked in the NFL draft after 20 rounds, "Pic", as he was often called, went on to make a career in the National Football League as a running back for the Chicago Bears, despite his small size and slow speed. What he lacked in the usual qualities of a football player he made up in determination and hard work. A letterman in a Fort Lauderdale, Florida High School, he attended Wake Forest University. During his senior year, 1964, he led the nation rushing. This fact may have led Chicago Bears coach George Halas to sign him as a free agent. Halas actually held a press conference to announce the fact. Although on the team, he spent the year of 1965 on the practice squad while the number four pick of that year, Gale Sayers, was chosen as Rookie of The Year. In 1966 he was active in all 14 games with 103 passes caught and 317 rushing yards. Although improved in his play each year it was a struggle for him to make the team. Piccolo and Gale Sayers, the "Kansas Comet", had become the first interracial roommates before the 1967 season. They soon became fast friends and fierce competitors. During the ninth game of the season in 1968 Sayers was felled by a knee injury that put him out for the season. Piccolo stepped in for the last five games and scored his first two NFL touchdowns, gained 450 yards and had 281 pass receptions. Piccolo helped his friend successfully return to the game by helping with his rehab. It was a physical as well as a mental job. He was determined not to win his spot on the team due to an injured player. When the season started in 1969, Piccolo was ready to prove his point, as Sayers had returned, fully recuperated. Suffering from a lingering cough Piccolo continued to play. A pre-season x-ray and physical exam had shown no problems. During a game on November 16th he took himself out of the game. Having never removed himself from the game the team managers and his friends and family were concerned. A rare cancer was diagnosed and treatment began. Although he was determined to continue playing football he was not able to overcome his disease. At the time treatments for such a rare disease were not available. Piccolo died at the Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, at the age of 26. After his death the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund was founded. It began with a group of friends, teammates and family members. Through the efforts of the fund the cancer that took his life now has a better than 80 percent cure rate. A related cancer to Piccolos disease which the fund also supports, testicular cancer, now has a 95 percent cure rate. In 1991 the fund began supporting breast cancer research. Wake Forest University Students started the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive in 1980 in his memory. As to this date, 2009, in the 29 years of the fund, they have raised over eight million dollars which they donate to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Brian's life is chronicled in the book "Brian Piccolo: A Short Season" by Jeannie Morris. "Brian's Song", a film starring James Caan as Piccolo and Billy Dee Williams in the role of Gale Sayers was released in 1971. Gale Sayers documented his life and his story with Piccolo in the book "I Am Third".
What happened to Piccolo in 1969?
When the season started in 1969, Piccolo was ready to prove his point, as Sayers had returned, fully recuperated. Suffering from a lingering cough Piccolo continued to play. A pre-season x-ray and physical exam had shown no problems. During a game on November 16th he took himself out of the game.
How did Piccolo help his friend?
Piccolo helped his friend successfully return to the game by helping with his rehab. It was a physical as well as a mental job. He was determined not to win his spot on the team due to an injured player. When the season started in 1969, Piccolo was ready to prove his point, as Sayers had returned, fully recuperated.
What was Brian Piccolo's cancer research fund?
Through the efforts of the fund the cancer that took his life now has a better than 80 percent cure rate.
When did Wake Forest University start the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive?
Wake Forest University Students started the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive in 1980 in his memory. As to this date, 2009, in the 29 years of the fund, they have raised over eight million dollars which they donate to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Who was Brian Piccolo?
Louis Brian Piccolo was the youngest of three boys born to Joseph and Irene Piccolo in Pittsfield, Mass., on Oct. 31, 1943. When Brian was 3, the Piccolo family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Flor. Middle brother Don and oldest brother Joe were athletes and supported Brian playing sports, as when Brian wasn’t tossing a ball in the air solo, the trio was playing some sport together. In consecutive order, Brian’s favorite sports were baseball, football, and basketball.
Where is Brian Piccolo Middle School?
In 1972, Brian Piccolo Middle School 53 opened on Nameoke Street in Far Rockaway. The school name was chosen by students after the first airing of the 1971 movie version of “Brian’s Song.” The school still bears his name nearly 50 years later, which attests to Brian Piccolo’s great legacy and powerful impact on others.
What kind of cancer did Brian have?
A chest X-ray was performed on him and doctors spotted a malignant tumor on his left lung. He was diagnosed with embryonal cell carcinoma, an extremely rare form of cancer that develops in a fetus and remains in either the chest or testicles until it causes malignant tumors or lesions.
What is Brian Piccolo's number?
Brian’s No. 41 jersey number has been retired by the Bears.
Why did the Chicago Bears invite Brian and his wife to a honeymoon?
The sculpture was deliberate, as word spread that Chicago Bears Coach George Halas invited the newlyweds to honeymoon in the Windy City because he had plans for Brian.
What did Brian do after chemo?
After chemotherapy sessions, despite how much the treatment had taken out of him, Brian focused on exercising and getting back into shape. Obviously therapeutic for him, Brian often snuck out of his hospital room to visit sick or injured children, and he loved speaking to people about overcoming illness, especially with family, Gale, other teammates, early rival Tucker Frederickson, and coaches who came to visit him, and he joked about himself and his cancer.
Is Brian Piccolo cancer curable?
The Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund was established in 1970, and several million dollars has been donated to finding a cure to various forms of embryonal cell carcinoma. Today, the disease is almost completely curable.
Who is Lori Piccolo?
Lori Piccolo is the executive director of Institutional Partnerships at the Catholic University of America in Washington. Mike Wise, a former Post sports columnist, is an author and the host of “The Mike Wise Show.”
Where did Brian Piccolo carry his coffin?
Chicago Bears teammates of Brian Piccolo carry his coffin into Christ the King Church in Chicago in 1970. (AP) (Anonymous/AP)
What happened to Brian Piccolo?
It turns out the actual story of what happened to Piccolo is even more instructive, and especially relevant for modern cancer patients and health professionals struggling to balance hope and reality. Brian Piccolo was a 26 year-old running back for the Chicago Bears in the fall of 1969 when he developed a cough and difficulty breathing.
Who was Piccolo's surgeon?
Piccolo’s surgeon was Edward Beattie, a former college football player and a Bears fan. “Surgeons are aggressive, hard-charging guys,” Beattie told Morris.
How long did Piccolo live with cancer?
Beattie told Piccolo that the first operation had been a success and, soon thereafter, Piccolo was telling friends that he was “cured” of cancer. He died six months later. In reality, less than five percent of patients with Piccolo’s cancer lived five years.
What was the name of the cancer that was found in Piccolo's chest?
The diagnosis was grim: a grapefruit-sized, highly malignant cancer known as a teratoma in Piccolo’s chest. Because his cancer was so rare, Piccolo sought treatment at New York’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
How did Piccolo die?
The third removed one of Piccolo’s lungs, although by that point, the odds on him surviving were essentially zero. Piccolo died in excruciating pain. His last admission, Morris reported, was “torture,” as he spent “hours out of bed, being wheeled, poked, turned, punctured, manipulated.”.
What was the second surgery in Piccolo?
Piccolo’s surgeries, attempting to remove more and more cancer cells, were aggressive and painful. The second was an “extremely mutilating” radical mastectomy, the operation women had for breast cancer.
Where did Brian's song come from?
The inspiration for Brian’s Song came from a book, I Am Third, written by Piccolo’s Chicago Bears teammate Gale Sayers.
What Happened To Brian Piccolo’s Family After He Died?
Dolby said Piccolo’s wife continued to live in Beverly for a short period of time after her husband passed away.
Where Is Brian Piccolo Buried At?
In Chicago on June 19, six Bears teammates, including Sayers and Dick Butkus, served as pallbearers at Piccolo’s funeral at Christ the King Catholic Church. Evergreen Park, Illinois, is where he was buried at Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery.
How Long Did Brian Piccolo Live After He Was Diagnosed With Cancer?
The 50th anniversary of Piccolo’s passing is marked by his passing at the age of 26 after playing four seasons with the Bears. He died of embryonal cell carcinoma on June 16, 1970.
Who Is Joy Piccolo Married To?
Joy married Rich O’Connell, the owner of a ready-mix concrete company, three years after Brian passed away. In the present day, Joy lives outside Chicago and Marco Island with her husband. She is still actively involved with the Piccolo Foundation, which raises millions of dollars for cancer research.
Did Gale Sayers Remain Friends With Joy Piccolo?
It is true that Sayers and Piccolo were close during their time together on the Bears – they were the first interracial roommates in NFL history – but not their best friends. In a statement, Piccolo’s wife Joy Piccolo O’Connell said her husband’s friendship with Sayers was “a small part of Brian’s life.”.
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Piccolo Cancer and Piccolo foundation for cancer
Piccolo and his wife Joy became increasingly skeptical of the optimism of their doctors but felt powerless to ask questions. The two became close in 1968 when Piccolo selflessly supported Sayers’ attempt to recover from the first of several knee injuries that would ultimately shorten his career.
Brian Piccolo and Gail Sayers
Brian Piccolo (October 31, 1943 — June 16, 1970) was a professional American football player who played four years for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Piccolo, the same age, was a white, hard-core chatterbox and prankster who competed with Sayers for playing time in Central Catholic.
