A man who was key to the creation of Disney’s Air Bud franchise says he’s dealing with health issues and homelessness ahead of the holidays.
Kevin DiCicco told TMZ that he’s on the verge of being without a place to stay as he’s nearly maxed out the 90 days he’s permitted to stay at a shelter in San Diego.
DiCicco told the outlet he’s ‘terrified’ of the prospects of having nowhere to stay, which is compounded by a health crisis as he battles COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
DiCicco, who owned and trained the late Golden Retriever Buddy seen in the 1997 Disney movie, told the outlet that he ‘never received much monetary compensation’ from his contributions to the film franchise.
The initial Air Bud film arrived in theaters in August of 1997 and made $23,144,499, according to Box Office Mojo.
Kevin DiCicco, a man who was key to the creation of Disney’s Air Bud franchise says he’s dealing with health issues and homelessness ahead of the holidays
DiCicco owned and trained the late Golden Retriever Buddy seen in the 1997 Disney movie
While Buddy died in 1998 of synovial cell sarcoma, the Air Bud franchise remained a consistent content source for Disney through 2012, with DiCicco earning 11 credits for his creative contributions.
DiCicco told the outlet that following a bankruptcy, he battled depression and partook in medical marijuana to combat it; he said he never used any other substances.
He attributed his battle with COPD – which the Mayo Clinic defines as ‘an ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs’ – to his marijuana use.
DiCicco said he needs supplemental airflow via the use of an oxygen concentrator, and that he’s used an electricity source to help charge the medical device at the shelter.
DiCicco said that while professional help aided in hoisting him out of depression, he suffered another setback when the coronavirus pandemic stuck.
DiCicco said he lost a job as a property manager due to economic factors raised by the shutdown the virus prompted.
A GoFundMe drive started by DiCicco’s friends with a goal of $200,000 to help him recover has racked up $10,659 raised over 235 donations as of Sunday evening.
DiCicco told TMZ that he was hesitant to request the public’s assistance with a crowdfunding drive, but is ‘running out of options’ amid his shaky living situation.
DiCicco told Fox 5 San Diego in July that the financial arrangements with the Air Bud franchise was ‘cleverly crafted to make sure that these films don’t really ever receive the big money’
While Buddy died in 1998, the Air Bud franchise remained a consistent content source for Disney through 2012, with DiCicco earning 11 credits for his creative contributions
The initial Air Bud film arrived in theaters in August of 1997 and made $23,144,499
‘It is extremely heartfelt that people I’ve never met would donate to my cause,’ a statement from DiCicco read on the fundraiser page. ‘Many, many thanks again for your support. Your gesture is greatly appreciated.’
DiCicco told Fox 5 San Diego in July that the financial arrangements with the Air Bud franchise was ‘cleverly crafted to make sure that these films don’t really ever receive the big money.
‘That’s why we now find ourselves in a position of instead of enjoying those twilight years and sliding into retirement, we’re almost having to start over.’
