Friday, February 3, 2012

Michael Kutcher talks about twin brother Ashton, life with cerebral palsy

OTTUMWA, Iowa - The motivational speaker had a lot of wisdom to share: How he overcame challenges, found out who he was and learned to accept himself with his good points and bad. And the students seemed to get it. But they also wanted to know how close he and actor Ashton Kutcher are.

"We're twins ... and I consider him my best friend," said Michael Kutcher, talking to kids Thursday at Ottumwa High School.

Christopher Ashton Kutcher almost grew up without a brother, Mike said. Their mom and her doctor thought she was having a boy. They were surprised when it turned out to be two boys.

Ashton was born first, at 10.5 pounds. Mike referred to his twin as Jabba the Hutt, the slug-like, gigantic "Star Wars" character. A few minutes later, Mike was born. He weighed just 4 pounds and was over-oxygenated.

"The doctor told my parents, 'You might want to name and baptize him. He may not survive.' Of course, Jabba the Hutt was fine. I tell people he must have ate everything while we were in the womb."

When the boys were 3, Mom realized that while Ashton was running around just fine, Mike was not moving the way he should, was lagging behind and just seemed generally "slow."

Doctors diagnosed him with cerebral palsy.

Read more of Mark Newman's Ottumwa Courier article HERE.

No comments: