From cooking for his three children to teaching a classroom of sixth-graders, Chris Gallagher uses his feet for just about everything. At Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Capistrano where he teaches science and math and coaches surfing, Mr. Gallagher’s students view him as an inspiration and a role model – someone who has overcome hardships and proves to his students that they can do it, too.
Chris Gallagher was born with a joint-freezing disease called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita – a congenital condition that has caused Gallagher to have shorter arms and hands that lack joint movement. Arthrogryposis is a term that indicates the presence of multiple joint contractures (a limitation in the range of motion) at birth. Frequently, joint contractures are accompanied by muscle weakness, which further limits movement. Arthrogryposis is fairly rare, occurring in approximately one in 3,000 births.
Mr. Gallagher used to own a surf shop but is now enjoying his first full-time teaching position. He has appeared on "Oprah," "Good Morning America," "John Walsh Show," and PBS' "Life and Times" and also does guest speaking engagements. In 2001 Mr. Gallagher received a teaching credential from National University in Costa Mesa and plans on obtaining a master’s in history in the near future.
