Kellie Murphy Needs a Lifesaving Stem Cell Transplant.
As many of you are aware, Kellie Murphy, a Westernport native (daughter of Robert and Sharon Wright), Monrovia resident, public school teacher and mother of two, is battling Multiple Myeloma (a blood cancer that focuses on the bone marrow). A stem cell transplant is her best hope for a return to good health. Unfortunately, this process is very expensive.
You may have grown up with Kellie in Westernport, MD, attended Frostburg State University with her, taught with her at Gaithersburg High School, or maybe you know her through her loving children, Amber and Garrett. However you know Kellie, you know she is a wonderful person who would do anything to help someone else. She now needs our help.
These past five months have been extremely challenging for Kellie — emotionally, physically and financially. She is very fortunate to have great medical insurance through her job in Montgomery County. But even with good insurance, Kellie will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, travel and temporary relocation housing for herself and a caregiver near to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and the costly medications she will need to take for the rest of her life.
To help with the financial burden of Kellie’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution today and click the DONATE NOW button.
Thank you for your prayers, good wishes and generosity.
Krista Busky, Kellie’s cousin
busky@verizon.net
Updates (1)
May 2, 2016
Hi everyone!
Thank you so much for your kind words and generosity. Believe it or now, cancer has made me realize how blessed I truly am.
Just a brief update on what is happening....the bone marrow transplant is a go! I'm so happy to get this started, but I'm also scared. I start getting medications next week to "wake up" my stem cells so they can get the 10 million they need to for two transplants (one now and one for the future). I will be admitted to the University of Maryland Medical Center on May 31st. (Happy Birthday to me and my beautiful daughter, Amber.) I will try to give some updates as I go along since this is a first for me and I'm guessing it is new for anyone reading this.
Thanks again and I will write when there is something new to tell.
Kellie
Guestbook
May 13, 2016
Kellie, I found a quote for you. “Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.” ~C.S. Lewis~ Not that your are "ordinary" but, your destiny is to teach!! Can wait to see you back here at GHS in the fall teaching new up and coming teachers.
Miss you.
Dietz (your 2nd favorite)
May 6, 2016
You were my favorite teacher at GHS. You are such a kind hearted woman, and I wish you well with your journey. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers. Stay strong!
Crystal Cooper - class of 2010
April 6, 2016
Sending love and good thoughts to my favorite across-the-hall neighbor.
Marie Pepper
March 3, 2016
Mrs. Murphy,
You were my favorite teacher at GHS! It was you that inspired me to work with children and not a day goes by that I don't instill what you have taught me into my kids. I never really got to thank you for the impact you've had on my life. Thank you for inspiring me, for your enthusiasm in teaching, and your wonderful class. You and your family are in my prayers!
Rachel Rodriguez class of 2007
February 25, 2016
Kellie,
Thoughts & prayers for you & your family at this time. Stay strong, you got this!
Rita Jackson Cuthbertson
February 24, 2016
Love you Kell. You are always on my heart and in my prayers! DSB!
Karen and Bill
February 22, 2016
I am in awe of your courage, strength, and ability to find humor in most situations. I have always felt that you "had my back," thanks for that. Remember that the Chinese character for crisis is translated to opportunity. Allow yourself to feel the love, support, and prayers from this vast community that you belong to.
Love and Healing,
Kim Wright
February 21, 2016
Kellie, please feel ecouraged by all the love and prayers being spoken on your behalf. Keep fighting and we will keep praying. The team at the University of MD knows what they treated for Leukemia back in 1976. Cast your cares upon the Lord for He knows your needs.
Vicki Stephens Ames
February 21, 2016
Hi Sunshine...never stop smiling! Think about you daily and you are my BIGGEST prayer! I love you and am always here for you!
Cindy
February 19, 2016
keep your bubbly and positive outlook, we are all thinking of you,
Dave Emery
February 19, 2016
Kellie and family just dropping a line to you all . Letting you know that your never alone you always have the love and prayers of all of your wonderful classmates but especially from our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Always be faithful to him and put it all in his hands. Many prayers and lots of love. Mike w
Mike Wildman
February 18, 2016
Kellie -
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
You can beat this!!!!
Linda Broadwater Edwards
February 18, 2016
Hi Kellie I hope things get better for you. I have been thinking about you. I am saying a pray for you and the kids and your new Family.I love you hangle in there.
Brenda Gattens
February 17, 2016
Much love and many prayers for strength, comfort and healing for you Kellie.
Love from your Friend and Classmate
Carol Arbogast Breeding
February 17, 2016
Praying for all expenses be provided and a full restoration,by our Almighty Healer! All my love to Kellie and her family!
Classmate and Friend Jamie Miller Heeter
February 16, 2016
My second mother.. You have always been there when I needed you. Even after I graduated you were still there to make sure I was okay. When I was going through the hardest times in life you were there to pick me up off of the ground. You were so interested in sitting down and talking to me about my experiences in the fire department and all the stuff that I've seen and so fourth. You always were there to put smiles on every single students face no matter what they were going through. You have so much to us and now it's our time to give back to you. We all, including you and all of your students past and present and even the future will walk this road together because you walked every single road with us. Love you Murphy!
Ryan Johnson class of 2014
February 15, 2016
Murph, 'till this day even years after we have graduated we still consider you our second mom. You were always there for us no matter if you were having a good or bad day and now it's our time to be there for you. Your smile, contagious laugh, and strength has never failed to bring me joy. I truly admire you. I'm keeping you in my prayers, stay strong and I will visit really soon. Love you!
Ayesha Brimah Class of 2014
February 15, 2016
Murph, you don't understand how much you did for every student that had. Walking into your class was always a joy, if the kids weren't there you were there to make us laugh. Countless hours spent on grading and helping us improve. You are the strongest person I know, you will get through this rough patch in life. I love you! You will always be in my family's prayers
Luz Chavez Class of 2015
February 13, 2016
Kellie, you are the strongest person I know. I know this first hand because you held me on your shoulders for 3 yrs.! I to know that you will beat this. Stay strong... Know you are loved... Stace
Stacey weimer
February 13, 2016
I know you'll fight through this and win Kellie!
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Love you!
Margie
February 13, 2016
Kelly I know you're a fighter. I send you my strength, my well wishes and my prayers. Stay strong!!
Michelle Sobers GBurg crew
February 12, 2016
Mrs.murphy, please get better! So sorry to hear about all of this! On a better note I'm still taking classes to work with kids! I miss you as a teacher please get better and I hope you get all the money you need to cover your surgery!
Eileen Burke Class of 2009 GHS
February 12, 2016
Kelly stay strong and lean on people when you need to (come see me anytime) You are a fighter and a positive person!!!
Kathy C.
February 12, 2016
Kellie, you know how much I love you and look up to you. For as long as I can remember, you've been one of my favorite people. I would and still do get excited when I knew you were coming home for a visit. Our time alone to play spyro while the kids took a nap. You've been my aunt, my sister, my best friend, my partner in crime and a mother figure my whole life. I know without a shadow of a doubt that you can beat this. You're one of the strongest women I know. You've got the whole family behind you and from what I've read on here, some amazing friends and students. I love you, aunt bunny.
Brittny
February 12, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this challenging time. Stay strong, keep your spirits high, and know that you have a large community of supporters cheering for your recovery to health! You were such a bright light in our Gaithersburg High School experience, and I know that this same light will guide you through the days ahead. I have no doubt that you'll beat this! Sending you love, hugs, and prayers!
Kristin Anderson '02
February 12, 2016
Thank you for making class a joy to attend. You are kind soul. Sending warm thoughts of recovery.
Lauren Burgess '08
February 12, 2016
Sending prayers and love, Kellie! Miss you
Meg Tison
February 12, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this Kellie. Your GHS family is here to support you.
Maisie Lynch
February 12, 2016
Love you so much Ms. Murphy and the youth of GHS need someone like you to keep inspiring them to do great things!
Riley Mace
February 12, 2016
I love you so much Ms. Murphy. Stay strong, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers both day and night. May God be with you always and forever.
Maria S
February 12, 2016
My Sista from another Mista. You are my rock at school, I will be there for you whenever you need me. Stay strong I love you my friend.
Nilda Keres
February 11, 2016
A wonderful teacher that made my daughter Brenda love teaching little kids. Now she wants to become a teacher herself. Sending all the love in the world. Bless you and your family.
Leah Barahona
February 11, 2016
Murphy! Praying fiercely for the recovery that I know is in store for you! Thanks for being the reason I fell in love with education.
Michelle Esema GHS 07
February 11, 2016
Hey Murph stay strong, you're in my prayers. Love and miss you expect a visit during my spring break:)))
McKenzie Burke
February 11, 2016
Kellie is an incredibly high-spirited, warmhearted and loving person that gives so much of herself to others. I was lucky enough to have her as both a teacher and mentor at Gaithersburg High School. She even acted as a reference for one of my first jobs. I haven't seen or spoken with her in many years, but I know the beautiful qualities she embodies will help her fight this with all of her might. She is certainly in my thoughts and I wish her a speedy and full recovery.
Tommy Scheffer
February 11, 2016
Be the fighter you taught all of us to be Mrs. Murphy!! I will never forget all the good times and lessons you taught me in Child Development. We rooting for you
Kera Clements '06
February 11, 2016
Ms.Murphy I love you and you taught me everything I know about children. You taught some good stuff and was always there to listen when I was sad. I love you and you were the best teacher
Brittany Bledsoe
February 11, 2016
Mrs. Murphy will forever be one of my favorite teachers. She helped to instill a desire to be better everyday and she helped me to become a student, and more importantly a better person.
Samuel DeGuzman
February 11, 2016
Ms. Murphy,
You are not only a wonderful teacher, but a wonderful person! You have always been so kind, caring, and generous. Coming to your class was always a favorite part of my day. Your guidance and support helped shape the person I am today. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family during this time!
Brittany Fitzgibbon (Bazzarre) '07
February 11, 2016
You were my favorite smile every day in high school and always made my day better. I hope that I can come visit you again someday and you'll be healthier so we can celebrate. With all my love, I hope to hear about your recovery :)
Sarah Cross
February 11, 2016
I had Mrs.Murphy as a teacher and she by far was one of my favorites. I was lucky enough to be an assistant to her during my senior year and we had such a good time! My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this difficult time. Stay strong and keep holding on!
Kelly Kramer '06
February 11, 2016
Mrs.Murphy is one of the best teachers I've ever had. Her love and dedication to teaching is so admirable. She inspires me to be more like her. Stay strong!
Kirby Buttry
February 11, 2016
You were a teacher to my daughter Sara for many years. You were one of her inspirations to become a teacher. She talked about you endlessly when she was in high school. God bless you and keep you safe as you take this difficult journey.
Chapin Vasilake mother of Sara Toppe
February 11, 2016
Kellie...you already know how much I love you...and I cannot put into words how much you mean to your family. You are so loved for your kindness, and are such an inspiration to so many. You have two of the most loving and beautiful children that God could have blessed you with and all I can say is...Good job, Kel! We both know that humor has always been part of our life... So on those hard days...keep that beautiful smile, and know that I love you so much. I am here for you...your kids...and your mom & dad. Stay strong girl and fight the fight!!!
Aunt Teri
February 11, 2016
You mean the world to me Ms. Murphy. You inspired me to have a passion for children. You are in my prayers.
Marenda Kyle
February 11, 2016
Love you momma
Kathleen Willett
February 11, 2016
Thinking of you Kellie and praying you continue to do well with your treatments. Love you, Aunt Betty
Betty Wright
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In honor of Kellie Murphy
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