Breaking Bad Premiere Dedicated to 16-Year-Old Cancer Victim

Sunday's record-breaking premiere of Breaking Bad was dedicated to a 16-year-old superfan of the show who passed away from cancer in March, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The words "Dedicated to our friend Kevin Cordasco" appeared on-screen after the final scene of Sunday's episode. The teen died in March following a seven-year battle with a rare cancer, according to the News. "It was just heartwarming; I know my son was sitting there, watching it [saying] 'Mom, Look, I made it!'," his mother, Melodie Cordasco, told the paper. "It was overwhelming — the feeling, the love and support."

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Cordasco, who reportedly watched the AMC series religiously, had visited with members of the show's cast and crew on several occasions. Stars Bryan Cranston,Anna Gunn and Bob Odenkirk were among those who visited him at his home and at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Kevin was invited to visit the set in Albuquerque, N.M. in February, but was too sick to go, according to his mother. Creator Vince Gilligan even offered to tell Cordasco how the show ended by showing him the final script — but the teen declined.
"He said, 'Mom, I want to see it myself and I don't trust myself. I might tell people,'" Melodie Cordasco told the News.
Gilligan was reportedly "devastated" to hear of Cordasco's passing. Of the decision to dedicate the episode to the teen, co-executive producer Melissa Bernstein told the News: "[Gilligan] thought that it would be a fitting tribute and hopefully, something that Kevin would get a real kick out of." 
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"It meant the world to him; they have no idea how they impacted my son," Melodie Cordasco said. "He talked about it all the time...He had a bucket list; one of (his wishes) was to meet [the cast of] Breaking Bad."