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