Patty Craig

• Master of Arts, Education

• Bachelor of Arts, Spanish

• Massage Therapist & Reiki Master

On Valentine’s Day of 1984, at the age of nine, Patty Craig was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma in her right leg.  She was treated at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at OHSU where she underwent chemotherapy and the amputation of her right leg.  Following 13 months of needle pricks, puke-inducing chemo treatments, hair loss, and the loss of her leg, Patty was cancer free.  After five years with no recurrence, doctors declared her cured and she has remained healthy ever since.  

Despite the loss of her leg, Patty has always been determined to make the most of the gift of life.  She has endeavored to lead an active and healthy life including learning to ride a bicycle on one leg at the age of 31.  She trained and competed in several sprint triathlons in her 30s and used the opportunity to raise thousands of dollars for charity organizations supporting the fight against cancer.  Since needing to slow her pace and better nurture her body, she has cultivated the practice of yoga as well.

Patty received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and her Master's Degree in Education from Portland State University. She enjoyed the challenges of teaching Spanish, English Language Development and technology at the middle school level for 16 years in the Gresham area. After struggling  with significant health complications from stress and the impacts of being an active amputee, Patty needed to step down from teaching.  She found remarkable relief with Reiki and Massage Therapy.  She soon began Reiki training and is now a Reiki Master & Teacher. After continued healing, she completed the 800 hour Massage Therapy program at East West College of Healing Arts where she specialized in Neuromuscular Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy. She savors the opportunity to help others through holistic bodywork and continues to enjoy empowering others through teaching Reiki and gentle fitness classes along with her husband at their business: Your Sanctuary For Healing, in Gresham, Oregon.

As a childhood cancer survivor, Patty was unsure whether or not she would be able to have children.  She counts her two teen sons as her greatest gifts.  Volunteering at Multnomah County Animal Shelter with her eldest son Lucas is a highlight of her week.  Together they were awarded a Public Service Award from Multnomah County in 2017.  Cheering at her son Ethan’s athletic events brings her great joy as well.

Patty enjoys photography as a hobby and has taken classes through Newspace Center for Photography in Portland, Oregon. Her work has been featured in Astoria’s Art Walk.  Needing foot surgery in 2013, Patty took a break from photography and focused on recreating her life while recovering. Patty has returned to her passion and created new career paths.