Michael started acting in TV commercials at 8 years old.   In July, 1994, at only 9 years old, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a form of cancer affecting the lymph nodes.   After years of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and twelve radiation treatments around his heart and lungs, he had no guarantee of survival.   Yet Michael beat the cancer down twice, and on August 1, 1996 celebrated being cancer-free for one year.   Throughout his ordeal, Michael stayed strong and started the Michael Cuccione Foundation for Cancer Research.   He started writing music at 9 years old and released a five-song CD, "Make A Difference" when he was 11.   Together with his grandmother he wrote a book called "There Are Survivors: The Michael Cuccione Story" about his experiences.   Sales from the CD and book went to his Foundation and helped the youngster to earn more than $500,000.00.   The money was donated to the British Columbia Children's Hospital and will be used to build a cancer research center.