Chris Kaag is an ambitious, athletic and determined man. A former marine, Kaag enjoys living life to the fullest. Mountain biking, skiing, and kayaking are some of the many hobbies Kaag does on any given day. This adventurous man lets nothing discourage him in being an active member of society – not even his disability.
Kaag as he participates in a race.
In 1997, Kaag was an active 21-year-old marine and enjoyed playing the intense game of rugby, biking high mountains, and leading a boundless life. While serving in the military overseas in Italy, Kaag went out for his daily run; he was preparing for a physical fitness test. He noticed his legs weren’t functioning normally, but continued to train for the test. When his time recorded at a whopping five minutes past his personal best, Kaag knew something was wrong and he sought medical attention. Kaag returned to the United States and spent nine weeks in the hospital as doctors determined what was causing his symptoms. His life drastically changed in 1998 when he was diagnosed with Adrenomyeloneuropathy (ă-drē′nō-mī′ĕ-lō-nū-rop′ă-thē), or AMN. It is a degenerative, inherited nerve condition that would eventually affect his ability to walk. Kaag did not lose his ability to walk instantly; instead the process was gradual. First, he began to lose the ability to run and then started losing his balance regularly. He began using crutches to walk and then two canes to mobilize. Five years ago he began to use a wheelchair.
While his life gradually started to change, Kaag decided he would redefine what it means to live well. Kaag began to participate in physical activities that were more demanding and challenging than sports he participated in before his disability. When asked what kind of sports he takes part in today, he said, “The activities I do now are similar if not more physically demanding than the activities I did in the past. Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I’m any less capable than an able bodied person.”
The philosophy that “anything is possible” has stayed with Kaag ever since his diagnosis. He has never slowed down. “I’m more active than I was before my AMN set in. These days, I want to push myself and lead an active and fulfilling life.”
Mountain biking is one of Kaag's favorite hobbies.
Kaag exceeds expectations every day. In 2007, he created the IM ABLE Foundation to promote and demonstrate to individuals with disabilities that it’s possible to lead physically adventurous lives. Kaag’s reason for starting the foundation was to “show people that they can overcome the obstacles that may come with disabilities. People shouldn’t dwell on what they can’t do with their disability; instead, they should focus on what they can do. A large focus of mine is also raising awareness with children. I want to show them that the possibilities are endless and they can live adventurously despite a disability.”
Every February, Kaag and the IM ABLE Foundation host the “Are You Able Challenge?” This event aims to open the eyes of the public and change the perceptions some may have towards people with disabilities. It helps to show people without disabilities what people with disabilities experience on a daily basis. Typically participants are able bodied individuals (but are not limited to) and they engage in football, hockey, golf, basketball and other obstacles while using a wheelchair.
In addition, the foundation holds a triathlon, “Got The Nerve?,” which consists of a run, bike and swimming competition. “With events like these, I hope to raise awareness of the foundation and spread the word to all people with disabilities. If people dig deep, they can accomplish anything,” said Kaag.
Despite his inability to walk, he continues to hold his head high, push further to achieve excellence, and redefine what it means to have a disability. Kaag keeps himself busy and even owns his own gym. As each day passes, he pushes the limit. “I want to change and alter how people look at individuals with disabilities,” stated Kaag.
One thing is for sure, IM ABLE has a strong and determined leader, and with Kaag and the help of others, the foundation’s purpose will continue to spread and show people with disabilities that nothing is out of reach.
To learn more about the IM ABLE Foundation, visit www.getupandmove.org.