Advertisement Over 10 years, the Beaver Dam, Wis., native raised more than $25,000 for leukemia and lymphoma patients and hometown families affected by cancer.
“It was a tradition every summer, and to me it was an awesome thing,” Murphy said. “I knew I wanted to do something to help others with cancer like me.”
Murphy continued to volunteer for cancer causes. Today, at the age of 25, she is the community relations director for the American Cancer Society office in Onalaska, Wis.
“I feel like I’ve come full circle now working for the cancer society,” Murphy said. “For me, this is an opportunity to work with fellow survivors and their families.”
At 21/2 years of age, Murphy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells — the cells that normally fight infections.
She received chemo-therapy and radiation off and on for two years at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison.
“I knew I was sick and that was about it,” Murphy said. “I remember the hospital atmosphere was scary, but I also remember the 12-foot tower in the toy room.”
Murphy developed an infection in her pancreas after 18 months of treatment. “I got sick real fast,” she said. “That was the biggest scare I had. Otherwise, I have had a pretty normal life.”
As a child, she attended camp sponsored by the cancer society.
Murphy received her undergraduate degree in English and communications at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2005. She had an internship in the cancer society’s office in Madison, which led to the La Crosse position. As communications director, she works on prevention, education and early detection issues.
She said that at times, she even shares her own story with people.
“Having had cancer is definitely an asset in my work,” Murphy said. “It shaped who I am.”
People usually are surprised she had cancer at such a young age because back then, the survival rate was 50 percent to 60 percent, she said. “I tell people I am a 23-year cancer survivor and they’re in shock and awe,” Murphy said.
She recently attended the UW American Family Children’s Hospital Kids with Courage Reunion. The event is held every five years for cancer survivors and their families. It was her fourth reunion.
“My favorite part is I see people who have gone through the same thing I have,” Murphy said. “I see some people from treatment. This year I was reunited with my first doctor.
“It’s amazing how many people are alive, and these kids have become adults,” she said.
