Disabled Spring man's story of overcoming challenges

SPRING, TX (KTRK) -- A young man from Spring refuses to let life limit him, despite his physical limitations. He has spent 26 years barely able to move, yet he has accomplished more than anyone could have imagined.

His mom, Jo Fisher, remembers the moment life changed for her fourth child.

"This woman came into the shop and she touched my stomach and said there was something wrong with my baby," Fisher said. "She said, 'Calm down, he's a gift, he's going to be very recognized in the community.' And here we are 25 years later."

Her son Michael was born with Arthrogryposis, a joint and muscle condition that left him physically disabled and in a permanent laying down position.

"Michael can't walk, he can't sit up, he can't move his arms," Fisher said.

Yet, true to the stranger's premonition, Michael has become well-recognized by winning video game championships against quick-fingered competitors. How does he do it?

"Just the cheek for the controller and I use the inside of my mouth to press the buttons," said video game champ Mike "Brolylegs" Begum.

Begum is able to do things in the virtual world he can't do in real life, such as kicking, punching, and jumping. But the 26 year old has even more accomplishments under his belt - he is a published author. His book "Life Beyond The Floor" describes what he has had to go through.

"I wanted to share with people that even though I'm so limited physically, I still have an amazing story to tell," Begum said.

He typed every word with a chopstick and his mouth.

"I want to prove to them that I am capable of things even if I don't look it," Begum said.

The family hopes that book sales will build a futuristic home and a wheelchair because independence is Begum's dream.

"What I want for him the most is for his to be happy with what he can do and maybe not rely on us so much, because it does take a toll on him... he doesn't want to take up our time all the time," said his brother Jonathan Begum.

If you'd like to meet Michael Begum in person and pick up a copy of his book, he is hosting a book signing in Spring on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse at 124 FM 1960. If you print this flyer and present it to the restaurant with your receipt, 10 percent of your food purchases will support Mike Begum's medical expenses and his futuristic home.