A Most Courageous Kid

Illinois -- Michael McCarthy was born with a severe birth defect in his legs that left him unable to walk.

When a Chicago family adopted him from a Russian children's home at age 4, Michael's only way to get around was to scoot on his hands.

After undergoing surgery at Children's Memorial Hospital and being fitted with two above-the-knee prostheses, Michael slowly taught himself to walk, first with a walker, then with crutches.

Michael, now 10, faced a tough new challenge Sunday. He was picked to lead off 2,400 people who climbed the 83-story Aon Center in a Children's Memorial fundraiser expected to raise $350,000.

Michael also has learned karate. His coach, Jeff Kohn, said that in his 30 years of teaching, Michael is "far and away the most extraordinarily courageous kid. He raises the level of everyone's expectations."

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