Chris Cairns Survived Near Death, Now Guides Young Cricketers

Table of Contents

Chris Cairns, widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation, has shared a deeply personal account of his near-death experience following a series of severe health challenges. The 55-year-old former New Zealand cricketer is now confined to a wheelchair after suffering a spinal stroke that left him paralyzed from the waist down. His journey has been marked by multiple life-threatening conditions, each adding to the complexity of his medical struggles.

In August 2021, Cairns faced a critical health crisis when he suffered an aortic dissection, a serious condition where a tear occurs in the inner layer of the aorta, the body's main artery. This event led to his emergency transfer to a specialist hospital in Sydney, where he underwent life-saving heart surgery. During the procedure, he was briefly placed on life support due to complications. After spending 141 days in the University of Canberra Hospital, he was finally discharged. However, his health challenges were far from over.

Six months after the spinal stroke, Cairns was diagnosed with bowel cancer. In a candid interview with the NZ Herald, he described how the diagnosis and subsequent treatment changed his life. "I was extremely close to dying," he said. "I'm a very lucky man. When I was told about the spinal stroke, it didn't really kick in. Then it dawned on me the diagnosis and the situation I was in, potentially in a wheelchair for the rest of my life."

Cairns underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed the presence of bowel cancer. A specialist in Sydney advised him to have a stoma placed, which would allow him to manage his daily activities more independently. "This thing here, and look, that's a big part of my life now," he added. The ability to eat, drink, and engage socially became a significant milestone for him, marking a return to a semblance of normalcy.

Despite his health struggles, Cairns' past has also included legal challenges. Around 2008, he faced serious match-fixing allegations involving the Indian Cricket League (ICL). However, he has moved past these issues, focusing instead on his current battle with health problems. "I'm pretty pragmatic. That's their opinion. The opinions and the decisions by the courts, that's the fact. I don't have to respond. I don't have to say anything. It's just a part of my life. And, you know, it's always going to be there. I live my life. And since August 21, like, all that stuff before that is just so insignificant," he stated.

Cairns' personal life has also seen its share of challenges. He and his wife, Melanie Crosser, separated two years ago. Despite this, the couple continues to co-parent their three children. Melanie stood by Cairns throughout his health battles and the earlier match-fixing allegations. "Melanie and I separated about two years ago. This is actually the first time I've discussed it. We went through, you know, an enormous amount as a couple. And so two years ago, we made a mutual decision to separate," he explained.

Looking ahead, Cairns is determined to give back to the sport that shaped his life. Although he still uses crutches to walk, he carries himself with a sense of independence. He has developed a bowling machine to help young cricketers improve their skills, particularly in keeping the ball straight. "We just want the game to be enjoyed. We want it to be better. We want the parents to be more engaged because the kids are being more active. We want them to choose cricket in the summer," he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Cairns expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had. "Being through what I've been through, I know how lucky I am. Without knowing that those people have not lived a full life, I have that opportunity. So that's up to me and, you know, and I'll make the most of it," he concluded. His story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to the community that once supported him.