Born with cerebral palsy, the 10th of 22 children of a Dublin bricklayer and his wife, Christy Brown was doomed to life as a vegetable by physicians in 1932. His strong-willed mother's love and faith encouraged him to overcome this label. At age seven, he made a mark with chalk grasped between the toes of his left foot, the only limb on his body he could control. With this proof of intelligence, his schooling begins, and aided by his loving family, Christy learns to grapple with life's physical tasks and psychological pains. His courage and determination inspire a teacher, who lends support as he develops into a brilliant if cantankerous writer, poet, and painter. The astounding story of an artist who defeated a physical disability, degrading stereotypes, and poverty to fulfill his dreams.