Lesson in perserverence Summary The fight began early for Kurt Kraus. He was born premature, weighing only 2 pounds, 2 ounces at birth. He had fluid on his brain, tightness on the right side of his body and learning disabilities. Doctors told his parents, Ron and Becky, that he probably would never walk or ride a bike. He accomplished both. Doctors said he wouldn't be able to drive or go hunting with his father. He accomplished both. Some told him he'd never get his high school diploma, especially after being diagnosed with bone cancer in March of 2007. Wrong again. Caption: The bright lights of Kurt Kraus' dining room create a distraction for the 19-year-old from Ireland, Ind., as he works with his tutor, Clara Fromme, in January. The reading of "Old Yeller" went slowly this day as Kurt told more tales than were on the lesson plan.