CHESTERMERE – Talk about being inspired by someone smaller than you; smaller in size that is. You could have heard a pin drop as the students at Chestermere High School sat in awe staring at a small man with a big message on the stage at the front of the gym. Chris Koch was invited to the school to talk to the students about his message “IF I CAN”. This is the message he conveys and he has several videos on You Tube that all start with these words scrolled in the sand or snow. No, Koch is not an athlete but he does love sports; he’s a guy with an inspiring message to share with anyone and everyone.
You see Koch was born without any hands or legs. Now, while you gasp in amazement, you should know that Koch thinks of himself as just an ordinary guy. This is why his message is so inspiring. Thirty four years ago his grandparents were phoned in BC with the announcement that his Mom had given birth to a healthy baby boy; the only thing was he was born without hands and legs. His grandmother without missing a beat simply said “Well Bruce never did finish anything he started anyway” referring to Chris’ father. Hence, Koch grew up in a world where he wasn’t treated any different than anyone else would be. He lives his life every day with a great attitude and loves to share that with anyone and everyone. He grew up in the small town of Nanton and played many sports including road hockey with his buddies, skiing, snowboarding and surfing but says “Sports like Basketball never appealed to him anyhow”. Life growing up was challenging at times but his parents believed that if he needed to do something, he would find a way to do it. He gives full credit to his family for raising him the way they did, allowing him to work through many obstacles on his way to achieving his many accomplishments.
He finished High School and decided to go onto University where he graduated from Carleton University with a degree in History and Phycology. University was good and he encouraged the audience to do further education because you meet a lot of people, it’s great networking with others and in the end it’s who you know.
He gave full praise to the War Amps Canada program where he received artificial limbs that helped him get around and make some tasks a little easier but he has recently gave them up as he finds he is capable of doing most things without them. His constant companion is a skateboard that he finds is the best way to get around. It is amazing to watch him maneuver about with little effort.
He is currently working at a feed lot in Nanton but started telling the audience about the time he worked at Westjet. He did many jobs including duties at the check-in counter to a passenger service representative at the boarding gate.
Koch was inspired by his long-time friend, JR Comstock, who travelled to several places around the world and it wasn’t long before Koch began to get the travel bug. In 2008 the pair travelled to Brazil and filmed their adventure in hopes of creating an inspirational travel show.
If there is one thing Koch loves to do is he loves to travel. He had decided he would like to see some of Europe and was somewhat hesitant initially but relied on his character to continually challenge himself. He packed his back pack, which was nearly as big as he was, jumped on his skateboard and set out to see Europe. Once again he had second thoughts while on the plane but soon overcame them and ended up having a wonderful experience. Koch explains, “Sure there were some crappy days but you never know what’s around the corner and that might just be amazing”. Koch recommends getting out to see the world, to see other cultures other than at an all-inclusive resort. Test yourself.
The constant craving to travel has Koch and Comstock applying for the upcoming Amazing Race Canada, a version of the Amazing Race but just travelling in Canada. Despite Koch’s physical differences he believes that if they are chosen as contestants, they have a great chance of winning.
Koch has 4 saying that he embraces in his life – YOU GET OUT OF LIFE WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. Keep a positive attitude and keep a smile on your face.
ITS WHAT’S LEFT, IS WHAT COUNTS – he uses the analogy of a tube of toothpaste where you squeeze as much out of life as you can but it’s what’s left, that counts.
FIND WHAT YOU LOVE, LIVE WHAT YOU LOVE.
And finally – THE CORE OF MANS SPIRIT COMES FROM NEW EXPERIENCES – get out there and challenge yourself and experience life.
Chris Koch is a truly amazing person who doesn’t think of himself as amazing, just a guy who has an inspirational message.
You can follow Chris Koch on Facebook (If I Can) and Twitter @IhopJRwalks.
