History has proven time and time again that there are people who can rise above difficulties and face great challenges in a way that is inspiring to all. Many people with serious disabilities often manage to not only look past their condition, but even go on to achieve greatness. Two shining examples of this are Ludwig Van Beethoven and Helen Keller. Another brilliant case is that of Alexander Vereinov, a famous Russian artist. Born in 1956, Vereinov suffers from cerebral palsy, a condition which seriously affects body and muscle movement. His first attempts at painting began at a special hospital for children suffering from cerebral palsy, where he spent his childhood. Since he had no control of his hands, Vereinov used his mouth to hold his paintbrushes. The problem was that the people at the hospital were afraid he would hurt himself, so he wasn't allowed to paint; which is why he did all his works of art at night, in secret. Today, Alexander Vereinov is an internationally recognised mouth artist, who has produced many stunning originals as well as reproductions of well-known paintings. His original works include the portraits of Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin. Some say that his reproductions of other well-known paintings are nearly impossible to tell from the original. However, Vereinov's activity does not end here. Together with Maxim Goubanov, a Russian philanthropist, he works towards raising money for the Alexander Vereinov Disabled Russian Citizens Fund. This is an organisation that aims to provide wheelchairs, medicine, food and other necessities to disabled people who do not have enough means to support themselves. Indeed, Alexander Vereinov is an inspirational example of being able to use your inner strength and determination to become successful and then use this success to help others. 31 Beethoven and Keller were born disabled. 32 Vereinov started painting at an early age. 33 Vereinov only painted at night because they did not let him paint during the day. 34 Vereinov's copies of famous works of art are extremely accurate. 35 Vereinov gives part of his money to charities for the disabled.