Chris Knizia – That’s how he rolls

A good day for me is when …

… I don't have any doctor's or hospital appointments for once and can do something nice for myself.

Is there something that currently gives you strength or helps you feel good in everyday life?

Being around other people does me a lot of good. In those moments, I don't have to think about my illness for a while. I can simply enjoy a cup of coffee and talk to other people.

What has been one of the biggest challenges in your life so far?

When my condition progressed rapidly at first and I didn't know how to deal with it, the MS community on Instagram and connecting with others there helped me a lot.

• Wheelchair, because I can't manage longer distances without it.

• Breaks, because without them, fatigue – a common symptom of MS – often sets in, and I can become exhausted very quickly.

• Orthoses, because they simply make walking easier and safer for me.

What do you wish for from society in how it interacts with people with disabilities or chronic conditions?

Just treat us normally! If you have questions, simply ask. But above all, don't pity us. Compassion is perfectly okay – pity isn't.

Are there any topics, projects, or initiatives that are particularly close to your heart? What is important to you about them?

Humor is very important to me personally – I simply couldn't do without it. But the "Kämpferherzen-Treffen" is also very close to my heart. It's probably the largest community gathering for people with chronic conditions that is organized by the community itself.

If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it need to do?

The assistive device I'd invent would be pure fiction: a full-body suit that would let me walk, but also fly – basically an Iron Man suit.

What does REHACARE mean to you personally?

REHACARE has meant a great deal to me ever since I first attended in 2022. I meet many people from the community there, get firsthand information about assistive devices, and can try them out right away. The Sports Center is always another highlight for me.

But something else is important to me, too: REHACARE isn't just a place where exhibitors showcase their products. It's also a place for people to connect – whether they have the same diagnosis or similar disabilities, or are family members who can meet and share their experiences there.