GALLERY: Tai chi hero fighting cancer

This is a form of blood cancer, which has affected his spinal cord in 2020.

The effects of cancer on initially his back vertebrae and later the vertebrae in his neck has resulted in Craig becoming a quadriplegic.

Craig’s journey in tai chi began early in his life. The interest in the martial art for him lay in the compassionate nature of it.

“It is not aggressive as other martial arts,” said Craig. “Tai chi is the only martial art that teaches if you can hurt someone you need to be able to heal them as well.”

This has been the focus for Craig in his application of tai chi and his teaching of the art. Craig used it as a vessel to help others heal and overcome the hardships that they were dealt with in life.

In 2005 he went to Taiwan where he was accredited as an international completion referee and judge. Craig, however, was never interested in the competitive side of the sport, preferring the application of the art and its ability to heal.

A first

After taking part in the World Tai Chi Day in Bangkok, Craig had a similar vision to host a similar day in South Africa. This dream came into fulfilment locally in the mid-2010s.

This event was not only the first of its kind in South Africa but the first on the African continent. “China News Network covered the event,” said Craig. “Through that we were able to reach more African countries. We were able to bring tai chi to African countries, not just as a sport but as a form of alternative healing.”

Craig’s love for tai chi has never wavered. “Tai chi unites the world in peace and harmony. Together it knows no boundaries.”

A turn for the worse

In 2020 just before the onset of the nationwide lockdown, Craig was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The tumour had collapsed one of the vertebrae in his lower back leading to him being hospitalised ahead of an operation to fuse the surrounding four vertebrae to provide stability.

Aside from the operation, Craig received radiation and chemotherapy to treat the tumour. “The chemotherapy was going well,” said Craig.

Towards the end of 2020 things, however, took a turn for the worst.

Craig suffered a relapse with the tumours this time attacking the vertebrae in his neck. Graig lost control of all four of his limbs due to cancer affecting his neck.

He has since then been on a heavier course of radiation therapy targeted at his neck. “So far it has made no difference but we are holding on to hope that it will be successful.”

The next part of treatment for Craig would be for them to implant stem cells to help produce healthy red blood cells. Till now he has not been strong enough for the operation.

Be grateful

For Craig, the effects of his illness have been severe but he has not given up hope. “I still practise tai chi every day in my mind,” said Craig.

“This has taught me a lot about patience. You can’t just scratch your head or pick your nose. I learnt it’s pointless to be angry. You have to keep calm to fight the sickness. It teaches you how to accept your situation.

“It taught me to rely on other people. You should be grateful for every opportunity you can spend with people. Don’t ever take life for granted.”

Help a hero

To assist with the costs associated with Craig’s care and treatment family members have set up several different avenues for people to help him and his family. The family has set up a Lets Help Craig fund that accepts donations.

If you would like to help you can contact Andy Boden on andyboden00@gmail.com

A Backabuddy and Go Fund Me page has also been created to help cover costs.

You can find them at Gofundme: Financial help for Craig suffering cancer and Backabuddy: Our Hero Craig Boden respectively.