Music is a key component in Mario Commiso life, and it always has been.
35 years ago, his father, Cosimo, would drive Mario and his two younger brothers more than 200 kilometers to Thunder Bay for music lessons from their small hometown on the rugged north shore of Lake Superior. They would make this trip together every other Monday for more than 8 years.
Now, 48-year-old Mario is honouring his dad, the man who gave him music, by giving the music back. Cosimo had been suffering the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease for over 17 years and passed away on September 7, 2007. Meanwhile, Mario has recorded a CD of his elegant and inspiring piano playing and dedicated it to his father.
Featuring an exclusive collection of timeless favorites such as “My Way”, “The Shadow of Your Smile” and “As Time Goes By”, Mario is steadfastly committed to donating 25% of all sales to the Alzheimer Society. With more than 2000 CDs sold, Mario has given over $10,000 to help support people in the Hamilton-Halton region living with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Swept Away - more info.

As I reflect on the past 10 years, the experience of seeing someone very close to me deal with Multiple Sclerosis, has given me a new appreciation for living life. This comes from the extraordinary courage, positive attitude and determination of my wife Maria, who was diagnosed 11 years ago. She has inspired me to compose the song “You Believe In Me”, with lyrics written by Dan Redican (English), and Gaetano Monoco (Italian)

Multiple Sclerosis affects different people in different ways. Here are some facts about the disease.

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. The disease affects the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system, causing inflammation, and often destroying the myelin in patches. In its most common form, Multiple Sclerosis has well-defined attacks, followed by partial or complete recovery. The severity of MS and the specific symptoms of the disease cannot be predicted.

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated 55,000-75,000 Canadians afflicted. Multiple Sclerosis most often affects young adults – between the ages of 15 and 40 – during their career and family-building years. Women develop MS more than three times as often as men.

To date there is no known cause or cure for Multiple Sclerosis. However, there is hope. Over the past year, the MS Society of Canada has funded new research studies and services for individuals and their families affected by MS. This includes funding for the MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children, the first in North America dedicated exclusively to pediatric MS patients.