Keeping People Connected Through Tai Chi: Patch Hero

MALDEN, MA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Eleanor Cushing, who nominated Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy owner Mai Du. In addition to offering a free online Tai Chi challenge to those at home, Du has raised thousands of dollars to buy masks and PPE for health providers and those in need.

Where the nominee lives:

Malden MA

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:

Malden MA

Name of the nominee:

Mai Du

Name of the person who nominated the hero:

Eleanor Cushing

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?

No

What does the nominee do for work?

Mai is a Sifu Master and owns Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy in Malden and Quincy MA

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

Her amazing desire and ability to have taught & provide free Tai Chi during this pandemic to anyone in Malden, MA, the US and the World. She developed an online website maiharmony.com and initiated a free, 30 day, 20 min/day Tai Chi challenge which she taught live, 3 times a day. Anyone can go back to her recordings and continue their learning, again, free of charge. This health initiative she took on was and continues to be a gift to the world. Separately, Mai raised thousands of dollars recently to purchase masks & PPE to distribute to any/all health providers and individuals who needed masks. She commandeered volunteers to donate & distribute, again, giving all of her time to this cause. She did this separate & apart from the free online Tai Chi program. She continues teaching classes to her students and helps keep them focused and strong through these trying times as well. She was a force to help initiate the building of a health clinic north of Boston for the Asian community, with a focus on seniors, which is now South Cove Community Health Center in Malden, serving all ages. Mai volunteers for many organizations and projects; her students perform at many events all over the state and beyond. For a woman with humble beginnings as a child refugee from Vietnam, we are so fortunate that Mai has made her home in Malden and I am amazed to watch her many facets of engagement for social justice, education and everything she does toward the betterment of all mankind.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?

In all her success, Mai remains humble, extremely generous & very kind. She is a community builder with people of all ages. She is a teacher, while always a learner and a woman of the highest integrity.