Climbing for Air
It is hard to write about the loss of a parent in a way that encompasses who that person is in their entirety, but I am running in the American Lung Associations Fight for Air Climb, in memory of my father: Michael Murphy, who was diagnosed with idiopathic Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), an aggressive lung disease that causes irreversible lung scarring, in August of 2011. He passed away October 24, 2011, leaving the incredible legacy of being a feisty, talented, unique, and supportive husband and father. An artist, he had the gift of writing, music, wit, and creative sense of humor that could make anyone laugh no matter what time of day or mood. He lived his life as an adventure, and is everything creative to my family.
I climb with the passion and motivation to not only raise awareness about ILD, but also to honor the spirit, youth, and sense of adventure he has given my family.