Shortly after welcoming his daughter into the world, everything changed for Kris Sage.
At 35, Kris was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. What should have been one of the most joyful times of his life quickly became a reality of balancing new fatherhood with a chronic illness.
Since his diagnosis, Kris has turned that challenge into purpose.
He has shown up year after year for Gutsy Walk, walking, fundraising, and advocating for better treatments and, one day, cures. For Kris, this mission is deeply personal. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) runs in his family, making the possibility of it being passed on to his daughter something he carries with him every day.
“Becoming a dad changed everything for me. I don’t want my daughter to face what I, or my family, have gone through. That’s what drives me, doing whatever I can to help find better treatments, and hopefully cures. I want her future to look different.”
Balancing full-time work, fatherhood, and life with Crohn’s isn’t easy. The physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming, but Kris continues to show up.
“From one dad living with Crohn's or colitis to another, I know there are tough days. But I've found that our kids care less about what we couldn't do and more about the time we spend together.”
This Father’s Day, Kris’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to carry hope, not just for today, but for the next generation.