Never Too Old to Quit: The Inspiring Story of Craig Raucher
In that case, how would you feel? It is natural for you to get frustrated. But it was not the case with Craig Raucher.
Suppose you are a person with a passion for basketball. However, suppose somebody told you that you should quit the game. In that case, how would you feel? It is natural for you to get frustrated. But it was not the case with Craig Raucher. Doctors told him that he could not play basketball anymore. Despite that, he has made a comeback to the courts.
The Man behind the League
Craig has basketball in his blood. He began playing this game at a tender age. At present, the court has become his second home. He has also founded the well-known Staten Island basketball league. It has given an opportunity to many players to compete in a particular location. Craig has become a popular figure in local sports. His dedication to basketball has never withered over time.
A Painful Problem Arises
Playing the game for so many years affected Craig Raucher. For example, he felt agonizing pain in his knees. The pain aggravated over the years. He was unable to make even simple movements. He could not run or jump like in the past. Moreover, he received bad news from the doctors. They advised him to replace both his knees. It seemed like a nightmare for an athlete like Raucher.
Two Surgeries and New Hope
The first knee replacement of Craig Raucher was done when he was 59 years old. It happened in a medical facility known as the Hospital for Special Surgery. One reputed physician known as Dr. Mayman performed the surgery meticulously. Craig experienced his second knee surgery after a couple of years. The employees at the hospital provided him with fair treatment. Craig was thankful for the support during this difficult time.
Refusing to Quit
Craig received bad news from the doctors following the surgery. They informed him that he would not be able to play the game anymore. Most individuals would have become crestfallen after hearing this news. But things were different in the case of Craig Raucher. He did not give up hope. He promised to make a quick comeback to the court.
The Long Road Back
Recovery was not easy in the case of Craig after surgery. He visited the fitness center every single day. Besides this, he took the help of a physical therapist. The therapist used to visit his home frequently. He also invested a lot of time walking on the treadmill. That entire process was somewhat painful. Nevertheless, it did not prevent Craig from keeping pushing forward incessantly.
A Sweet Return
Craig was able to shoot the basketball properly after six months following the surgery. Moreover, he was able to play basketball once again after nine months. It filled his heart with immense joy. Even today, he plays against players much younger than him. In fact, many of the players are more than 30 years younger than Craig.
Wisdom for Others
Craig Raucher wants everybody to learn from his quest. You can overcome big problems due to hard work. Your dreams should never be stopped because of age. Your spirit is more important compared to your physical restrictions. Craig wants to keep playing the game as long as he can.


