Michael Kutcher keynote speaker

From the moment of birth, Michael Kutcher has overcome challenges and conquered obstacles that most people never even catch a glimpse of. Born an unexpected and underweight twin, Michael faced the first of several life threatening circumstances before he took his first breath. Thanks to both outstanding medical care and his indomitable instinct to survive, Michael survived his first days and weeks, although not without lasting adverse effects. Due to irreversible neurological deficiencies, Michael was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before entering Kindergarten.

Throughout his childhood, Michael’s innate desire to thrive helped him overcome issues with eyesight, speech, and motor skill development. Michael grew up in a loving and supportive family that taught him the value of the health he did have and to make the best of his circumstances. A second close brush with death at a very young age helped open Michael’s eyes to the fragility of life and inspired him to take control of the future he once thought he’d never have.
Michael’s story is profound. He has lived the successes and reached life milestones that many didn’t think he ever could. His experiences and perspective on Cerebral Palsy have led him to work directly with Reaching for the Stars, A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy as an advocate and public speaker.

Michael’s message in one of inspiration, hope, and appreciation. Having overcome unthinkable challenges against extraordinary odds, Michael is living proof that perseverance and unwavering positivity can surmount even the most seemingly impossible of obstacles.

Ashton spoke about his brother, Michael

His famous brother, Ashton, fought back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his twin brother, Michael Kutcher, who was born with cerebral palsy. Speaking at the Ron Pearson Centre, he said:
"My brother was born with cerebral palsy and it taught me that loving people isn't a choice and that people aren't actually all created equal. The Constitution lies to us. We're not all created equal. We're all created incredibly inequal to one another, in our capabilities and what we can do and how we think and what we see. But we all have the equal capacity to love one another, and my brother taught me that." The Butterfly Effect actor then concluded: "When I got older, I spent years and years feeling bad about it, our inequalities. He also taught me that he had gifts that I didn't have. Extraordinary gifts that I didn't have, and that every time I felt sorry for him in life, I made him less. He taught me that and he gave that to me."