Meet Chris

Imagine getting the worst news of your life when you thought you were on top of the world.  Newly married with a baby on the way, Chris was given just that. 

Diagnosed with ALS or "Lou Gehrig's Disease", in October of 2007, he had to prepare his family for the worst.

At only 37 years old, Chris had already led a full and exciting life. After graduating from high school, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  During his 4 years in the Navy, he saw much of the world, became a certified chef and served in the Gulf War. Upon his return home, he attended Anoka Hennepin Technical, where he received a degree in machining.  An avid outdoorsman, Chris loved to hunt, camp, fish, and ride 4-wheelers.  Kip also loves spending time with his family & friends. Anyone who comes in contact with him, knows just how much love he has to give.  He worked at Federal Cartridge making ammunition for 12 years, and furthered his career at Pellco Machine as a Machinist/Programmer where he supervised the milling department.  Chris hopes his family can be as successful as he was in his 37 years…working hard and loving life!

Chris was kind enough to share his sucess story with us on the use of his Tobii P10, and how it has helped him continue to live life to the fullest:

What my Tobii does for me.

I'm an almost 40 year old husband and father to four wonderful kids, as well as a grandpa to one. I was diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, in October of 2007. In as little as a year's time, my speech had already started to become affected. Not long after that first year, I had a meeting with my speech therapist. My hands had started to fail at this point, so I asked for a device that would allow me to communicate, manage my remote controls and surf the internet. It wasn't long after that meeting that I was introduced to the My Tobii P10.

I started out using it for a couple hours each day. I was, and still am, amazed at how easy it was to operate. As time went on, I started using it more and more each day. Today it is always with me. While I'm in bed it's on a stand with wheels, and when I'm in my wheelchair it is on a different mount and powered with a portable battery. After using my Tobii for this long, I have learned it well. One of the features I like best is the ability to do text messages. When I became able to connect with my friends and family again, it brought new life to me. I can also email, print, use iTunes, manage my pictures, use Microsoft Office, order pizza J, and even monitor our home surveillance system. Simply put, I could not imagine living without it! Also, the Tobii technical support is top notch, either by phone or email.

















To learn more about Chris, or for updates on his life, please visit:

WWW.FORKIP.COM

http://www.facebook.com/chris.blomquist1?ref=profile

http://www.patientslikeme.com/patients/view/kip