WYOMISSING, Pa. – The founder of IM ABLE in Berks County has died at age 50.
Chris Kaag created the foundation after he was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve condition.
He said the experience inspired him to help others realize a diagnosis does not define them.
IM ABLE offers a number of adaptive programs and events throughout the year. It also raises money for community projects and those in need of equipment. Through the foundation, Kaag helped award hundreds of grants for adaptive equipment as well as create inclusive programming to empower athletes of all abilities to push their limits.
One such project was an inclusive splash pad in Womelsdorf, which the foundation helped to make a reality in 2024 for a then-12-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder.
In 2022, IM ABLE donated a minivan to the Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania as part of a mission to get veterans with disabilities where they need to go.
“I love providing people that ability to get out and to live a very fulfilling and, you know, motivating active lifestyle,” Kaag said at that time.
That year, Kaag was inducted into the Adaptive Sports Hall of Fame for his tireless efforts to assist others.
A veteran in Berks County is finding a way to share his story while inspiring others struggling with both physical and mental disabilities.
He also helped to connect other veterans with children with special needs to devise special workouts and led fundraising efforts to purchase special equipment like adaptive bikes for children in need.
Last March, Kaag’s wife Gretchen spoke with 69 News about her husband’s memoir, “Don’t Quit On Me.” She said it described Kaag’s journey, including when he entered the Marine Corps as a third-generation Marine, only to be diagnosed with AMN (adrenomyeloneuropathy) a few years later at age 21.
She said the book is now a way for others, like his son Carter, to find the light at the end of the tunnel.