To the world, he is Ashton Kutcher — but to his family, he’s just Chris, the protective older twin by five minutes. Growing up, Ashton defended his brother Michael, who was born with cerebral palsy, from teasing and exclusion. But nothing in their childhood compared to the crisis they faced at age 13, when Michael was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy. His heart had swollen to four times its normal size, and doctors gave him just weeks — then hours — to live without a transplant.
As Michael’s condition worsened, Ashton told their parents he was willing to give his own heart if it meant saving his brother. Years later, he admitted he had even thought about ending his life so his heart could be used. Just as time was running out, a matching donor became available. The surgery was a success, and Michael went on to regain his health — something he says is only possible because a stranger made the choice to be an organ donor.
Over time, Michael embraced speaking publicly about living with cerebral palsy and surviving a heart transplant. He became an advocate for disability awareness and organ donation, partnering with the #BeTheGift campaign to encourage people to register as donors. He often reminds others that an average of 20 people in the U.S. die every day waiting for a transplant — and that his own life was saved in the final hours.
Today, Michael is a father and stepfather, using his platform to inspire hope and action. His bond with Ashton remains unshakable — a reminder that the love between siblings can drive extraordinary sacrifice. Their story continues to raise awareness, proving that one decision to give can change the course of someone else’s life forever.