A Catalyst for reframing mindsets, Michael Kutcher has overcome challenges and conquered obstacles that most people never even catch a glimpse of. Born in 1978 in Iowa, as the unexpected twin brother of actor Christopher “Ashton” Kutcher, Michael met his first of many challenges at delivery. Entering the world notably smaller than his twin at less than five pounds, Michael was hardly responsive and struggled to take his first breath.
Thanks to both outstanding medical care and his indomitable instinct to survive, Michael pulled through his first days and weeks, although not without lasting adverse effects. By age three, Michael was battling significant developmental delays, caused by irreversible neurological pathologies. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before he entered Kindergarten.
Unfortunately, Michael’s uphill battle was only getting started. Diagnosed with heart failure at age 13, Michael was once again faced with an unthinkable challenge of survival. After being given a life expectancy of just three to four weeks, Michael again defeated the odds and successfully received a life saving heart transplant.
It was this second close brush with death that opened Michael’s eyes to the fragility of life and inspired him to take control of the future he once thought he wouldn’t have. Today, Michael is a successful Assistant Vice President for Transamerica Retirement Solutions and an inclusion and disability advocate and public keynote speaker.
Having overcome unthinkable challenges against extraordinary odds, Michael Kutcher is living proof that perseverance and unwavering positivity can surmount even the most seemingly impossible of obstacles.