Attorney and former mayor calls for everyday action to strengthen families and communities

CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Anthony Galluccio, attorney and law partner at Galluccio & Watson LLP, is using a recent spotlight interview to raise awareness around three issues that have defined his life's work: childhood cancer support, youth sports access, and responsible land use permitting.

Drawing from decades of experience in public service, law, coaching, and nonprofit leadership, Galluccio is urging communities to focus less on slogans and more on consistent action.

"I don't think change comes from big speeches," Galluccio said. "It comes from engaging people and communicating with them on their terms. Making them feel involved and part of something special

Advocating for Childhood Cancer Support

One of the core themes of the interview is Galluccio's long-standing commitment to pediatric cancer care. In 2009, he founded Ashley's Angels, a partnership with the Voluntariados con Jesus por Ninos in the Dom Rep. that supports children with cancer and their families. Through partnerships with institutions such as Dana-Farber and in permanent partnerships with Voluntariados Con Jesus Por Ninos and CAF America the organization has contributed more than $350,000 toward cancer care for children at the oncology unit at the Arturo Grullon Hospital por ninos in Santiago Dom Rep. "We are the largest private donor and I am very proud of that. This year over 30,000 will be donated."

Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the United States. Each year, roughly 15,000 children are diagnosed nationwide. While survival rates have improved, many families still face overwhelming emotional and financial strain. However in a poverty stricken country with very sub standard care Childhood cancer is devastating.

In DR like other poor countries. Cancer awareness and primary care are almost non existent. Now add in poverty, access to nutrition, transportation costs and access to complicated care and you are starting way behind. The Good news is a little help goes so far and these kids are so alone that your presence and support is life changing.

He emphasizes that support does not require large donations.

Money is a big factor but showing up and maintaining relationships with patients, Families and care givers means so much. Letting them know you are in it with them. Every time I show up at the clinic the kids realize this guy is not leaving us.

Youth Sports as Prevention, Not Just Recreation

Galluccio has coached youth baseball and football for more than 20 years, logging over 450 baseball games as a head coach and leading programs that served hundreds of children. He views youth sports as a public health and development issue, not a luxury.

According to national health data, fewer than 25% of children ages 6-17 meet recommended daily physical activity levels. Lack of access to structured sports disproportionately affects low-income communities.

"Sports give kids structure and an escape," Galluccio said. "They build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. All kids need support outside the home and school. Low income kids need local sports more than ever and with cell phones being on a team and part of the community is critical. I lost my Dad. My family has faced many serious challenges and a great coach becomes part of the family. You become a bright spot and an escape for these kids from other problems in life. Rich or poor kids have problems. Being part of a team that sticks together and never gives up is everything.

He encourages families and community members to get involved by volunteering, supporting local leagues, or simply advocating for safe and accessible recreational spaces.

"You don't have to be a coach," he added. "You just have to care enough to stay involved."

Land Use Permitting and Community Stability

As a land use and permitting attorney, Galluccio also used the interview to highlight the often-misunderstood role of permitting in community health. Good Developers are represented by community minded attorneys and can deliver great benefits to a community. My goal is to have a win win and be the example of a representative who can serve both my clients and the community. He represents institutional clients and property owners navigating complex approval processes, particularly in urban environments like Cambridge.

Delays and confusion in permitting can slow housing development, limit institutional success and increase costs that are ultimately passed on to residents. Or limit community benefits. Taxes are a big benefit but I have crafted community benefits zoning that addresses basic community needs at a granular and programmatic level.

"Permitting isn't about shortcuts," Galluccio said. "It's about strategic planning and building trust."

He believes communities benefit when residents understand how zoning and permitting decisions shape access to housing, education, healthcare, and workforce training and jobs.

"People should attend local meetings," he said. "Ask questions. Learn how decisions are made where you live."

A Call for leadership and personal responsibility

Rather than just calling for policy changes or donations, Galluccio's message centers on personal responsibility, daily habits and leading by example. If I give, others give. If I work hard, others follow. Inspiration is kinetic.

"Every day is like a game with a score and a win or loss," he said. "You prepare, Dig in, strategize, you show up, and you do what you say you will do."

He also speaks openly about eliminating distractions and focusing on service, fitness, and consistency.

"When you remove unhealthy escape behaviors you fill them with healthy escapes. I am a workaholic. I won't back down from that. I go all in on anything I am doing but setting up the balance of those things is the paint selection on the canvas of life. " Galluccio said. I always sleep better when I have helped people that day. Period.

What Individuals Can Do Now

  • Support reputable childhood cancer organizations or local hospitals

  • Volunteer or assist with youth sports programs in your community

  • Stay informed, build community consensus and stay engaged in local land use and zoning decisions

  • Prioritize personal consistent, small actions that support and inspire others

"Helping people doesn't require permission," Galluccio said. "It just requires commitment." I am not the most religious person but my faith tells me that God puts the challenges of self and others in your path for a reason. Embrace both kinds of challenges and don't get bogged down in what's fair or why. Just fight.

For more information about Anthony Galluccio's work, visit www.galluccioassociates.org or www.vjcn.org

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SOURCE: Anthony Galluccio



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