A little boy determined to defy doctors is inspiring people around him.

Six-Year-Old Michael Cooney of Onslow County was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy near his first birthday. His mother Melissa says doctors said he'd never walk again.

But this past December, Michael's dad returned home to Camp Lejeune after a six month deployment-- and for the first time Michael walked to his father.

Michael's mom says, "It was exciting-- the more we cheered for him-- the more he walked."

Michael's teacher Katie Olsen says, "Oh he was interested in getting around-- just not using a walker."

One day Michael's decision turned to action both at school and at home. Melissa says, "When people saw him stand up, they would say come on Michael! Take a step! Take a step!"

In the six months between the day dad left to the December night he got home from Afghanistan, the Cooney's worked together to get Michael stronger so that he could walk into his dad's arms.

The Cooney family says they hope Michael's miracle will inspire other families coping with Cerebral Palsy to push through the apparent limits and continue to work with their children to give them as much independence as possible.