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October 25, 2015

Issue No. 43

www.westsidenewsny.com

SOUTH EDITION

Distributed

Churchville-Riga, North Chili, Spencerport-Ogden

Young local resident spreads inspiration to all ages worldwide by Kiri Patella Ryan

tion intern, the honor is bestowed to an individual who Spencerport resident Brianna Collichio is a little exemplifies the spirit of the cause for CF. After Boomer girl who has an extraordinary gift, but also a very Esiason presented Brianna with the award, she went on big problem. Brianna has a disease known as Cystic to perform her own original song, “On My Hands” to an Fibrosis, which affects the lungs. The paradox to this audience containing hundreds of people. Brianna identifies celebrity vocal coach Richard Fink (of inspirational story hails from Brianna’s incredible talBergen) and singer/songwriter Johnny Cummings as the ent for singing. Performing publicly since she was only six years old, main contributors in helping her write, “On My Hands.” Brianna has touched the lives of many with her powerful The initial song came from a collection of lyrics and melovoice. She exerts courage and faith to pursue a dream dies recorded over time. When Brianna first became hospitalized, she started humming an unknown melody that that could easily become silenced. Inadvertently, Brianna’s name means, “strong one” suddenly came to her while participating in the play deck and her middle name, Nicole, means “victory.” Neither at Strong, which then led her mother to record her. After one of her parents had any prior knowledge of this when two years of taping Brianna, they decided to build a song they named her; they believe it was simply a matter around all the footage. Fink then completed and mastered of fate. “Brianna is not a victim, but a victor,” said her the final song, which is currently available for purchase. mother, Colleen Collichio. Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening, genetic disease The day to day that causes continuous lung infections and gradually It may appear that Brianna gets to bask in the glamorous restricts one’s ability to breathe. “The only difference musical lifestyle, however her daily routine tells a very between you and her is that her mucus is thicker,” Col- different story. Diagnosed with CF only three weeks after leen explained. That, however, doesn’t stop the spunky she was born, Brianna and her family have had to adapt ten-year-old from defying all odds and reaching for the to the challenges that come along with it. According to the medical profession, CF is considered stars. It all started several years ago right around Christmas the number one most stressful disease because of its high time. Brianna was helping her mother, Colleen, decorate maintenance management at home. Brianna has to adhere the house for the season when “Oh Holy Night” by Celine to a very expensive, high calorie diet and take pancreatic Dion started to play. Without hesitation, Brianna began enzymes every time she eats. Everyday she has to inhale singing along and managed to hit every note perfectly antibiotics and treatments, apply a nasal rinse and exer- leaving her own mother speechless. “I was confused cise her lungs twice a day using a respirtech machine. Her because I thought my mom was going to pass out,” Bri- mother now home schools Brianna because of all of the anna stated. It was that moment that led to the many demands of the disease. Despite the constant struggle Brianna must endure, she amazing opportunities that soon followed. Since then, Brianna has performed for many audi- remains very positive and believes that she is called for a ences, both large and small, including: Klove Radio on purpose; that she has been given a gift from God to prove his strength, his power and his love. the ten year anniversary of 9/11; a This conviction that provides Brianna memorial service honoring the firemen with such hope derives from the bible that were gunned down on Christmas verse, Romans 8:28 - “And we know that Eve 2012 in Webster; Chandler Cenall things work together for good to them ter of the Arts in Arizona; Starbright that love God, to them who are the called Rising Talent show for 2012, 2013 according to his purpose.” and 2014; Frontier Field in 2012 and The Collichio family owes much of 2014; Channel 13 Rochester in 2014 their blessings to their faith in God. and 2015; Good Morning America in “Our faith teaches us that God is the Arizona; anniversary of the 4th of only one that could take a mess and July parade in Lake Placid; Jenna turn it into a message,” Colleen stated. Simmonetti’s “Just Breathe” Founda“Because of our faith, we see purpose tion Christmas Ball in 2012, 2013 and in it. It’s not all chance; someone is in 2014; Black Tie Gala at the Waldorf control, someone loves you.” Astoria in N.Y.C. and at a N.Y. Jets Brianna Collichio’s single, “On My When Brianna sings, she wants to game in N.Y.C. where she received Hands” is available online at cdbaby. encourage people; she sings for Jesus an invite to sing again for a regular com/cd/briannacollichio and wants to tell the world all about season game on December 13. him. “When people ask me, ‘Where did She also received numerous awards, such as: Ambassador of Peace for the Week of Peace in the you get that voice?’ I tell them that I got it from Jesus,” said City of Rochester; 2012 Throga award for “Overcoming Brianna. “Lots of people with CF can’t do lots of things. So Adversity While Continuing to Sing”; Starbright Founda- when I sing I want to tell people don’t lose hope because tion Junior Ambassador; Michael Brennan Spirit Award Jesus gave you this hurdle in your life that you either jump in 2014; Michael Brennan Courage Award in 2015 and over or crawl under.” Two years ago Brianna’s vocal coach concluded that her also earned first place at the 2015 Monroe County Fair talent show and then went on to win second place at the lungs didn’t have the capacity to generate what she was already putting out. However, against all odds, Brianna 2015 New York State Fair talent show. Brianna recognizes the Michael Brennan Spirit continues to fight and carry on in order to do what she Award as one of her proudest moments. Dedicated to the loves. “To continue on is a miracle in itself. She really is, memory of Michael Brennan, Boomer Esiason Founda- in a lot of ways, a walking miracle,” said Colleen.

Brianna Collichio performing at the Starbright “Rising Star” Talent Fest in 2014 Looking ahead Considering all that Brianna has already accomplished, one cannot help but wonder how she has yet to become a public sensation. “We’re not here to make Brianna famous, she has a gift and that’s meant to be shared,” said Colleen. Although the day may come where the whole world will get to hear Brianna’s voice, Colleen emphasizes on the fact that her daughter comes from a simple family carrying a beautiful message, and that’s it. “We appreciate it for what it’s worth. We appreciate everything - we appreciate every breath.” Brianna’s plans for the future involve producing more music and appearing for additional performances as they come along. Her next project will involve working with Elvio Fernandez from the band Daughtry to help write and produce her next EP. Brianna will also continue to work with her vocal coach as well as Johnny Cummings to take on even more endeavors. On December 19 Brianna will appear for her fourth consecutive performance at the annual CF Ball to raise money for Rochester patients in the name of Jenna Simmonetti. The Collichios encourage the public to attend this event in gratitude for all that the “Just Breathe” Foundation has provided for their family as well as the local CF community as a whole. All throughout Brianna’s journey, she has made it a priority to live a normal lifestyle as best as she can. Her other hobbies include playing basketball, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her family and friends. Brianna clarified how she doesn’t want to be identified as the little girl with CF that can sing, but rather as a girl who can sing, but also happens to have CF. To sum it up, Brianna’s identity is herself - not her disease. No matter where life takes her, Brianna promises to stay true to herself and the Lord and live life to the very fullest. To listen to Brianna’s music and performances, visit cdbaby.com/cd/briannacollichio and youtube.com/user/ briannacollichio. To keep up with upcoming events, visit Brianna’s artist facebook page at facebook.com/BriannaCollichio.