Through their new book, Wheelz on the Moon, best friends Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham and Mike Dolman are on a mission to change the perception of what it means to be a wheelchair user. They want to prove that disability is a superpower instead of a roadblock.

Mike and Wheelz have generously donated books, as well as Wheelz’ collaboration with Hot Wheels to the Spina Bifida Association to distribute to our constituents. We recently interviewed Mike to get details about the new book and the bond he shares with Wheelz.

Wheelz, who was born with Spina Bifida, is known worldwide as a professional wheelchair motocross (WCMX) rider, and Mike is a former professional ice hockey player, author, and entrepreneur. Mike is the founder of the brand Do It Live, a venture capital and entertainment studio that invests in and builds brands whose primary focus is changing the lives of people all over the world. The two men met seven years ago after Mike found a YouTube video of Wheelz doing backflips from his wheelchair. Mike could not believe his eyes, and immediately knew he wanted Wheelz to be part of the Do It Live team. He reached out to Wheelz and received a call from his agent the very next day accepting the offer. “We are on a mission to change the world for the better. But I have to admit, when it comes to inspiring, I couldn’t shine Wheelz’ wheels. The kid bleeds inspiration, and if you’ve ever watched his videos, you know he bleeds a lot,” Mike said.

The idea for the book came to be when Mike was playing professional ice hockey. He decided to write a short children’s story in his spare time to keep his mind off the stress that came with the sport. The story was originally about one character, a little boy who uses his imagination to escape boring days at school. A few months after he wrote the original story, Mike decided to add a second main character, and saw it as a perfect opportunity to work with Wheelz. Wheelz was totally willing to collaborate, but he did not love the first version of the story. After a lot of rewriting, Mike sent Wheelz a second draft, and he loved it. From there on out, the two men collaborated and Wheelz on the Moon transitioned from a short story to a full-length children’s book. The goal of writing this book, is to use media to change the way children view wheelchairs’ role in society, and show that they are a tool a person can use to chase their dreams. “I want to show the world that if you’re brave enough, nothing can stop you from becoming who you’re meant to be and more,” Mike said.

Wheelz on the Moon tells the story of a boy named Mike Believe. His dream is to become the first kid to ever skateboard on the moon, but his mom wants him to focus more on school and less on skateboarding. Mike’s best friend, Aaron Dreams a.k.a Wheelz, was born with Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair. However, that does not discourage him from pursuing his dreams. When Mike starts to doubt himself, and his goal to go to the moon, Wheelz won’t let him give up. The boys travel to the moon and discover what having a truly open mind can allow you to accomplish.

To purchase a copy of Wheelz on the Moon, or to pre-order the next book in the Mike Believe series when it releases, visit this website. You can also follow the Mike Believe series on Instagram and Facebook to receive updates.