Kutcher is a national Public Speaker who delivers a message of inspiration, hope and appreciation. He is a spokesperson and advisor for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Joshin, champion disability in the workplace. Michael is also an advocate for organ donation and a spokesperson for Donate Life and an advisor to Valeos.
Michael Kutcher
"There may be a tomorrow, but there will never be another today.” — Michael Kutcher
From the moment of birth, Michael Kutcher has overcome challenges and conquered obstacles that most people never even catch a glimpse of. Born on February 7th, 1978 in Cedar Rapids, 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.
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. 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.
Michael graduated from Clear Creek Amana High School in 1996 and later continued his education earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Finance from Mount Mercy University.
His medical triumphs and perspective on Cerebral Palsy have led him to work directly with The Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Donate Life as an advocate and public speaker. His determination and passion have even brought him as far as Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., where Michael has worked to raise awareness for local and national fund raising initiatives. Michael has also brought his profound story and message to the Center for Disease Control as well as the National Institute of Health.
When he’s not advocating for Disability and Organ Donation awareness Michael is inspiring audiences around the nation, Michael resides in Denver, Colorado, where he’s built a successful career with Transamerica Retirement. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and playing golf. Michael’s message is one of inspiration, hope and appreciation. Michael teaches people how to turn their obstacles into opportunities and to embrace Diffabilities v/s our Disabilities. 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.
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Findings one’s purpose • Perseverance • Perspective • DEI
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Keynote Workshop Interview Breakout Panel Virtual
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• EMBRACING DIFFABILITIES: A MESSAGE OF INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT FOR EVERYONE
• PERSPECTIVE: FROM NEAR DEATH TO A FINER APPRECIATION FOR LIFE
• FROM STRUGGLE TO STRENGTH: MICHAEL'S INSPIRING JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE
TESTIMONIALS
"I’ve seen, delivered and created thousands of presentations; this is one you shouldn’t miss. Michael Kutcher’s story is one of hope, triumph, courage and just plain old toughness. In a good way, he’ll make you laugh, cry and question your view of the world. This guy really is something else.”
— BRAIN BURKHART, FOUNDER SQUAREPLANET PRESENTATIONS & STRATEGY
”As an event planner, Michael is a joy to work with. I would highly recommend Michael for your next event. He’s very passionate about what he talks about, and the audience loved him.”
— PAUL JOHNSON Director of Professional Development Iowa Credit Union League
"My husband and I had the honor of being guests at the event last Saturday night. It is a night we will forever remember because of you. Your speech was beyond words and hit a strong chord.”
— MARIA BOITANO Audience Member Ability Path