LEESBURG — “If I can …” was the theme for keynote speaker at the Tom Farms Annual Appreciation dinner Thursday evening, Aug. 16. The resounding theme of Chris Koch, a motivational speaker, farmer and “travel bum” was to be more afraid of regret than failure.

Koch is from the small farming and ranching community of Nanton, Alberta, Canada, and is limited in what he does in life by a few things – such as using an ATM machine, swimming or legally driving a motor vehicle. He’s traveled the world, participated in marathons, gone shark cage diving, bungee jumping and works in the farming and ranching industry.

Chris Koch, keynote speaker at Tom Farms Annual Appreciation Dinner

“There is no obstacle or limitation that stands in my way,” Koch said. “Anything you can think of I can do myself!”

With a great sense of humor, Koch told his story of being born without arms or legs. “I was not raised with pitty or sympathy,” he said, noting had to figure out how to do things himself, just like any other child. “I struggled a lot. I failed a lot … strong, resilient, capable.”

He never wore prosthetic arms, noting they were cumbersome. He did wear artificial legs, that is up until seven years ago. It was then he found a skate board or long board was more efficient and that has become his primary mode of transportation.

Koch noted there are times when he is frustrated or angry, but he perseveres, pushes through it and “I come out with a funny story.” Additionally, he said his worst days are the days when the space between his ears get in the way.

“I’m always up for a challenge and adventure,” Koch said, noting he recently decided to travel through Canada on the kindness of strangers. The 4,300 mile trek was made in 18 days. “There was not one instance that was negative or bad,” he said. Throughout his travels he stated he has never been taken advantage of or harmed, including never being bullied when he was a young child. Of course in his unique way there were a few jokes added about his height and lack of arms or legs.

He has a bucket list and crosses things off as he goes. He encouraged everyone to make a bucket list, regardless of age. “Get out there and do it.”

Concluding his presentation Koch, who is a happy and positive person, stated, “You get out of life what you put into it,” stressing if you’re negative, you receive negativity but if you’re positive, you receive positivity. “Go out there with a big smile on your face,” he said adding the positivity and energy you carry around with you is contagious. This is why you will always see him with a smile on his face. “Everything begins and ends with you.”

Koch stated if things work out he plans to be back at Tom Farms and help with the harvest. He left that evening to fly to Iceland where he will participate in a marathon.

This was the ninth annual appreciation dinner. Kip Tom, who normally is master of ceremonies, was not present for this year’s event but provided a pre-recorded message. Tom is currently in Washington, D.C.