Craig Ruding
Crew
"I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this journey sailing in the South Pacific from US Samoa to Auckland New Zealand", says Craig who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2003 at the age of 43. Relapsing-remitting. Born and raised in the USA in a small town on the Jersey Shore named Ocean Grove, he has been married for 32 years to his best friend Kathleen. They have two sons Matthew, Nicholas and a daughter in law Rachel as well as two wonderful grandchildren, Charlie and Madelyn.
Craig has been a Woodworker and Antique Furniture Restoration Specialist for over 40 years in a family business in Bradley Beach, New Jersey (www.rudingandwood.com). He is also an outdoor adventure enthusiast and traveller involved with the Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster for 20 years. He enjoys camping, hiking and water sports in his spare time.
Craig raises awareness for Multiple Sclerosis with the National MS Society Metro Chapter. He has a team called "Hakuna Matata" (means "No Worries"), which raises money for MS research. When asked about his motivation for joining the Oceans of Hope journey he says "My intention is to promote awareness of MS. I hope to set an example that people with MS can accomplish and achieve things that anyone else can do!"