In a heartbreaking turn of events, Kevin DiCiccio, once the proud owner of Buddy—the beloved canine star of the “Air Bud” film franchise—finds himself facing a precarious situation, as he grapples with homelessness and the imminent threat of being evicted from the shelter that has provided him refuge.
In an interview with TMZ, DiCiccio shared his despair, revealing that although he currently resides in a San Diego shelter, his 90-day stay is soon to conclude. With an uncertain future ahead, he expresses his fear of finding himself on the streets once more.
DiCiccio, who discovered the future star, Buddy, near his cabin in Yosemite, now faces the grim prospect of street life, exacerbated by significant health challenges.
Despite being credited with contributing to the creation of the “Air Bud” series—having collaborated on 11 films—DiCiccio laments that his financial recompense has been negligible for his pivotal role in these culturally significant productions under the Disney umbrella.
Kevin candidly recounts his descent into bankruptcy and a prolonged battle with depression, attributing his health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to his past use of medical marijuana, while firmly denying the use of any other narcotics.
According to the Mayo Clinic, COPD is a persistent lung disorder arising from lung damage, leading to restricted airflow and significant breathing difficulties due to inflammation and swelling.
Following years of therapeutic intervention, Kevin managed to gain control over his depression and secured a position managing a property in 2020; however, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic subsequently displaced him from his role.
Kevin’s COPD necessitates the continuous use of oxygen, and the shelter’s continued accommodation hinges primarily on his requirement for electrical power to operate his oxygen concentrator. Yet, the clock is ticking on his time there.
With no viable options remaining, Kevin finds himself in a dire situation, as the means to utilize his concentrator without access to electricity remain ambiguous. Fortunately, his friends have initiated a GoFundMe campaign, which has thus far garnered approximately $3,000 of its ambitious $200,000 goal.
Reluctantly, Kevin confesses that he had not wished to seek assistance in such a manner, yet facing dwindling prospects compels him to set aside his pride, hoping that ardent “Air Bud” enthusiasts might extend their generosity toward someone who has contributed significantly to their joy over the years.
Vocabulary List:
- Precarious /prɪˈkeə.ri.əs/ (adjective): Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
- Beloved /bɪˈlʌv.əd/ (adjective): Deeply loved.
- Lament /ləˈmɛnt/ (verb): To express sorrow or regret aloud.
- Recompense /ˈrɛkəmpɛns/ (noun): Compensation or reward given for loss or harm.
- Dwindling /ˈdwɪn.dlɪŋ/ (adjective): Becoming gradually less or smaller.
- Ambiguous /æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/ (adjective): Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.
