Editors’ Pick, Miracle Warrior: Gigi Cramer In 2015, Gigi Cramer’s husband, Ed, suffered a heart attack behind the wheel that sent their car at a high rate of speed directly into a light pole. Tragically, Ed lost his life, and Gigi began a grueling nine-month journey that included a three-month induced coma, a shattered femur and the possibility of having her leg amputated, a broken nose, and more than 100 surgeries. Knowing the fighter Gigi is, Richard Thunder, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Scripps Memorial Hospital, fiercely advocated on behalf of the three-time breast cancer survivor, boldly stating that she’d leave the hospital with her leg, whether alive or on a gurney. While in the ICU, Gigi, an avid scuba diver in her younger years, was visited daily by her sons, Cameron Schiff and Randall Schiff, who recorded the sounds of the waves when they surfed, not knowing if she could actually hear them as they played them back for her at her bedside. Ultimately, Gigi made a full recovery and Thunder named her his “Miracle Warrior.” Today, vibrant as ever, Gigi still generously supports numerous charities including Voices for Children and Center for Community Solutions, among many others.
That is utterly amazing; what a Heroine. I am an athlete and support Challenged Athletes Foundation activities, where I see many people overcoming challenges. However, this story shocked me! Congratulations, Gigi!
That is my mother, my rock and the reason I refuse to ever give up when facing obstacles in life. Gigi is the strongest woman I know and has made me the man I am today! Thanks for being so awesome mom, love you eternally , always, Randall Hawkins Schiff
Gigi also supports the college men’s lightweight rowing crews at the San Diego Crew Classic. She sponsors the Secretary of the Navy Cup which honors the lighter men weighing in at 165 pounds or less. I see her sponsorship as giving the underdog lightweights recognition as they compete against each other annually at the San Diego Crew Classic regatta. Seems appropriate for a woman who’s fought for her health under such adversity.
Four Comments
Wendy Endsley
That is utterly amazing; what a Heroine. I am an athlete and support Challenged Athletes Foundation activities, where I see many people overcoming challenges. However, this story shocked me! Congratulations, Gigi!
odette van oostende
I had the honor to meet Gigi last week. Beautiful woman inside and out. Felt blessed to have met her. She brings life back into prospective.
Love Odette
Randall Schiff
That is my mother, my rock and the reason I refuse to ever give up when facing obstacles in life. Gigi is the strongest woman I know and has made me the man I am today! Thanks for being so awesome mom, love you eternally , always, Randall Hawkins Schiff
Sonja Sullivan
Gigi also supports the college men’s lightweight rowing crews at the San Diego Crew Classic. She sponsors the Secretary of the Navy Cup which honors the lighter men weighing in at 165 pounds or less. I see her sponsorship as giving the underdog lightweights recognition as they compete against each other annually at the San Diego Crew Classic regatta. Seems appropriate for a woman who’s fought for her health under such adversity.