Craig O’Grady, a 37-year-old man from Australia, passed away on September 1, 2023, after a courageous 14-year battle with cancer. Diagnosed at the age of 23 with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer, Mr. O’Grady’s fight was characterized not only by his illness but by his unwavering spirit and commitment to his family.
While cancer was a significant part of his life, those who knew him remember him for his profound love and dedication as a father, husband, son, and friend. His wife, Bec O’Grady, described him as “a doting father” to their two-year-old son, Toby. She recounted that on the day before his death, he spent cherished moments feeding Toby and enjoying time with family. “Nothing mattered more to him than watching our boy grow up,” she shared with The Border Mail.
Mr. O’Grady’s journey began in 2011, marked by surgeries and treatments that included radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As his illness progressed, he faced multiple recurrences of cancer, which spread to his lungs and necessitated further medical interventions. In 2018, doctors discovered additional cancer in his lungs, and by 2020, he had exhausted surgical options that would not severely impact his quality of life. Instead, he was offered immunotherapy, which surprisingly extended his life for another three years.
Through the years, Mr. O’Grady maintained a hopeful outlook, refusing to label himself as “cancer-free.” His wife emphasized his resilience, stating, “He kept fighting, always hopeful and optimistic.” Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained grateful for the time he had with his family and the New Life Chapel community.
A Life Beyond Cancer
Born at Griffith Base Hospital, Mr. O’Grady enjoyed a vibrant childhood filled with laughter and camaraderie among his cousins. His wife described him as a “self-proclaimed class clown” whose charismatic nature endeared him to many. The couple met at a local school in Barellan, and their bond deepened over the years. They married in August 2016 and moved to the Border region in 2015.
Mr. O’Grady’s commitment to raising awareness about lymphoedema, a condition he developed as a result of his cancer treatments, led him to share his story with The Border Mail in 2017. He worked for Harvey Norman for a decade before transitioning to roles at Westpac and St George banks.
Throughout his illness, Mr. O’Grady insisted that he wanted his life to be “more than cancer.” He aimed to inspire others, demonstrating that love and hope persist even through adversity. “He loved getting to know others’ stories,” his wife reflected, highlighting his connection with his barber, Eli.
Despite the trials he faced, Mr. O’Grady’s positivity shone through. He reportedly never complained about his condition, choosing instead to focus on the joys of family life. “We knew that the prognosis wasn’t great, but he lived longer than anyone expected him to,” Mrs. O’Grady stated, noting that he even surprised his doctors with his resilience.
Remembering Craig O’Grady
Bec O’Grady expressed a sense of peace knowing her husband had passed on, having loved her and their son deeply. “When I married Craig, I didn’t think he was going to live for as long as he did,” she admitted, reflecting on their journey together, which included facing the challenges of their son’s significant genetic condition.
The couple’s faith and determination to support Toby never wavered. As they navigated the complexities of Mr. O’Grady’s illness, they remained focused on providing love and care for their child. Tragically, on the day Toby was released from the hospital after a stay of several weeks, they received the news that Mr. O’Grady’s cancer was progressing again.
His final months were marked by intensive treatment, including radiotherapy sessions twice a day for 15 days, which necessitated a lengthy hospital stay. Mrs. O’Grady recalled, “Doctors said he would have six to 12 months,” a stark prognosis that prompted the family to embrace every moment.
The funeral service for Craig O’Grady will take place at New Life Chapel in Wodonga on September 11, 2023, at 14:30, followed by afternoon tea. A graveside committal service will follow at Leeton Cemetery on September 12 at 14:00. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available through the Lester and Son website, allowing loved ones to honor his memory from afar.
Mr. O’Grady’s legacy will endure, remembered not just for his fight against cancer, but for the love and joy he shared throughout his life.
