IM ABLE Foundation's Founder/CEO was 21 years old serving our country in the US Marine Corps. Everything changed for Chris in 1997 when he was sent to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The eventual diagnosis was AMN (adrenomyeloneuropathy), a degenerative nerve condition that cut short his career in the military.

"Over those nine weeks at Walter Reed, and in the years since, the diagnosis could have consumed me, defined me," said Kaag. "I still remember seeing kids hooked up to all sorts of machines. Seeing parents and siblings by their sides, questioning what their future would look like. It rocked me to my core. I wanted to hug all of them. It was then that I realized a new purpose. I chose to show them that life wasnt over for us. We would need to adapt, but we could still achieve and accomplish incredible things"

Kaag started Got the Nerve? Triathlon (GTN) in 2004 as a means of raising funds for research into a cure for AMN but then, in 2007, he chose instead to use the proceeds from the event to start IM ABLE as a source of inspiration for people with challenges of all kinds. Over the past 15 years, IM ABLE has provided hundreds of athletes with adaptive equipment grants and held programming which has helped thousands more overcome their challenges to get active.

The mission of IM ABLE is accomplished through:

Adaptive Equipment Grants

Adaptive equipment is expensive, anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000+. Individuals who are interested in purchasing their own adaptive equipment but are unable to afford the full cost, are able to apply for a grant from the IM ABLE Foundation. We award approximately 12 grants per year to residents of the Mid-Atlantic region.

IM FIT

IM FIT classes offer a supportive and motivational inclusive environment where individuals with physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges can learn and practice the fundamentals of exercise and basic movements. As much as it is exercise, it's an opportunity for the participants to see their friends. For the entire class, there is laughter, smiles, and encouragement filling the room.

Operation Lead from the Front

Operation Lead From the Front (OLFTF) is a program designed to facilitate an environment where military veterans can rediscover meaning, purpose, and connection by serving their adaptive community. The military has instilled the necessary traits like discipline, mental agility, strength, and initiative necessary to be an impactful mentor in this inspirational program. OLFTF capitalizes on those leadership traits as veterans are paired with children and young adults with challenges from their community. While the opportunities are limitless, one thing is certain, we will find new ways to become more physically active as we redefine what is possible together.

Adaptive Biking and Loaner Equipment

We currently own and maintain approximately 20 pieces of adaptive equipment. Through the Adaptive Biking and Loaner Equipment Program, individuals can come to IM ABLE to test a variety of equipment options before making a considerable financial investment in purchasing their own. Individuals are encouraged to borrow equipment for free and use it at their home and in their community. If they like the equipment, they can purchase one on their own or apply for a grant for financial assistance through our foundation. We are the only provider in the region who has such a program.

Adaptive Personal Training Fitness

Inclusive and Adaptive Certified personal training for participants with physical, cognitive, or behavioral challenges.

Race Mates

Race Mates is a program designed to provide a racing experience for participants with physical, cognitive or behavioral challenges (mainly the IM FIT Community) that prevent them from running in a race. The participant will be pushed in the adult joggers by Pagoda Pacer runners and IM ABLE volunteers through a jogger-friendly course (5k) and across the finish line.