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Chris Kaag is a warrior . He grew up in Reading , Pennsylvania and moved to Canton , Ohio and went to Penn State Berks Campus , majoring in Business and Marketing . Following in the footsteps of his grandpa , uncle , and his father , he joined the Marines when he was 17 . He credits the Marines for defining what he is now able to do . Just weeks after his 21st birthday , he noticed his feet were dragging while out on a run . His doctor rushed him back to the US where he spent nine weeks at Walter Reed National Military Medical Cenrter and was diagnosed with Adrenomyeloneuropathy ( AMN ) - an adult form of adrenoleukodystrophy ( ALD ) that primarily affects the spinal cord , which is usually characterized by weakness and stiffness in the legs . AMN is a genetic condition that was accelerated from a head injury that Kaag sustained while in the Marine Corps .
As a Marine , he now fights to keep people with disabilities active , physically and mentally .
Kaag is the founder and CEO of the IM ABLE Foundation , located in Wyomissing , Pennsylvania .
When he was young , he saw a doctor at a children ’ s hospital , and it was there that he also saw children who were on breathing and feeding tubes and confined to beds . This had a huge impact on Chris . He was fortunate to have had a typical childhood and to achieve his dream of becoming a Marine . When he started the IM Able Foundation , he had the kids who were in the children ’ s hospital in mind – “ to take those obstacles out of the way in order to provide kids with a ‘ typical ’ childhood so they could do things like riding bikes .” The mission of the IM ABLE Foundation is simple . We remove obstacles that keep people with challenges on the sidelines , providing them access to programs and equipment tailored to their needs and a community of all abilities to support them . The IM ABLE Foundation has helped so many people since its inception with many different kinds of athletic events , triathlon , mountain bike rides , hikes , weightlifting , and more . Kaag feels the appeal comes from the way all of the participants are treated . Kaag says , “ I don ’ t treat them as different , but instead create a team environment where
everyone can thrive together despite their differences .” He goes on to say that , “ Creating a social experience is just as important as the physical one . [ Some of the people who come ] have noticeable differences such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy and may not have many friends . But , building friendships is the type of atmosphere IM Able builds with all who participate . Plus , it ’ s also rewarding for our volunteers who create lasting friendships with these young people !”
It ' s obvious that Kaag is no stranger to challenges , as a veteran and as a civilian . And many veterans continue to face challenges long after their service , including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ), dealing with the loss of life of close friends , and especially getting acclimated back into civilian life . It can also be difficult for someone like Chris who now has a physical difference . Many try to “ feel ” or “ be ” like they were before they suffered an injury or disability . The loss of independence can be difficult to accept . Veterans in the United States are fortunate that the government has programs