My name is Chris Meyer and was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a genetic

neuromuscular disorder when I was 17 years old. I started showing symptoms when I

was fifteen. Currently, I’m 37 years old living in Chino Hills, California and have been

confined to a wheelchair since the age of 22. Moreover, making everyday routines

even more difficult because every muscle is affected by this disease. However, I’ve

taken a positive outlook on the physical and mental challenges by adapting and using a

variety of mobility aids to help live my life outside in Mother Natures playground.

As a child, growing up in Chino Hills I was always playing outside with friends and

family. I would be outside nearly every evening and was involved in many physical

activities such as camping, bicycling, fishing, and baseball. This was before Internet

and thus my main source of entertainment. I played Little League baseball from the age

of 7 until 15 years old. Around 1995, my friends and family began to notice

abnormalities with my walking and movements. Senior year in high school, my balance

severely declined as well as any athleticism. I went to a family physician at Kaiser

Permanente because of my poor balance and other various vague symptoms. The

doctor immediately referred me to a neurologist who studied me and took blood for a

genetic test. When I visited with the neurologist my genetic test confirmed I had

Friedreich's Ataxia. My mom and I left Kaiser Permanente with very little information or

understanding of Friedreich's Ataxia. After going home and researching the internet

with my parents about FA and reading the information we were devastated. There was

no treatment or cure for this genetic life shortening neuromuscular disorder called

Friedreich's Ataxia. My mobility and motor skills would continue to slowly decline.

Basically, my nervous system is having trouble communicating with my muscles.

Years of staggering through the halls, I finally graduated high school. Attending Chaffey

College, I earned an automotive degree and worked part-time at an auto parts store

when my mobility and dexterity declined. At the time, I had a passion for cars and

engines and was still able to execute my interest with minor adaptations because I

could still walk short distances. Around the age of 23, I transitioned to using a

wheelchair and learned how to drive an automobile with hand controls by gaining

independence with my limited mobility. Soon, I realized my automotive skills would not

be functional in my future. So I began taking online courses and received my web

business certificate as the Internet was rising in popularity and was something I could

THE OUTDOORS IS FOR ALL! "1accomplish with my limited physical mobility. Over the next 15 years, I began

developing remote control car companies using my web skills and building and

maintaining their websites. These projects ranged from online sales, distribution,

manufacturing and development of remote control car brands within the industry.

Living with Friedreich’s Ataxia for over 20 years and being wheelchair bound with

multiple symptoms including hearing and speech difficulties, diabetes, high blood

pressure, poor coordination and dexterity affects all aspects of my life. My symptoms

are always progressing just as life does, but I keep moving forward. Throughout my

progression I continued to go camping, fishing and spending as much time as possible

outdoors enjoying Mother Nature. Although Friedreich’s Ataxia slows me down, I don’t

let it stop me. The simplest task has become increasingly difficult but I’ll always find a

way. I still have many hobbies and interests that I continuously adapt to make them

more accessible to meet my mobility impairments.

Making everyday routines even more difficult because every muscle is affected by this

disease. However, I’ve taken a positive outlook on the physical and mental challenges

by adapting and using a variety of mobility aids to help live my life to the fullest being

wheelchair bound. Loving the outdoors and nature I’ve discovered many adaptations,

and gear, to increase accessibility for all to get outside.

Mother Nature truly brings happiness and a connection that every human should

experience.

Several months ago I on boarded with REI Store 93 in Rancho Cucamonga as a Green

vest. In beginning this Adventure I was hoping to guide people of all abilities how to get

outside and enjoy nature. REI has really proved and put its core values in action by

showing everyone that the outdoors is for all, regardless of your situation.

THE OUTDOORS IS FOR ALL! "2THE OUTDOORS IS FOR ALL! "3THE OUTDOORS IS FOR ALL! "4THE OUTDOORS IS FOR ALL! "5 an added to our products. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.