Baby Murphy: Little Feet,Little Hands,Little Baby

Juniper Beatrix Murphy was born on June 19, 2019 weighing just 2 lbs 6.9 oz. to Katrina and Shane Murphy. During the second trimester, Katrina developed preeclampsia with severe features, a serious complication leaving both mom and baby at high risk requiring hospitalization and constant monitoring. Doctors and nurses carefully weighed Juniper’s need to continue developing with Katrina’s ailing health and ultimately decided on an emergency c-section at only 27 weeks--three months premature and two months before Katrina’s baby shower was scheduled. Fortunately, both Juniper and Katrina made it through delivery safely though they both have a long recovery. Baby Juniper is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Urbana, IL where she is receiving diligent 24-hour care to continue to assess her needs and help her on her extensive medical journey. It is estimated that Juniper will remain in the NICU until her original due date in September. Like her parents, Baby Murphy is proving to be strong and resilient but needs continued support.


The purpose of this fundraiser is to provide financial assistance to the Murphy family as they navigate mounting hospital bills, travel to and from the hospital nearly an hour away, and are forced to take extended leaves from work. Shane owns the beloved Hole In the Wall BBQ in Sullivan, IL. In addition to serving up the town’s favorite barbecue, he consistently supports local clubs and organizations by providing free food and gift certificates to help with their endeavors. Unfortunately, owning and operating a restaurant does not provide for a typical paternity leave. Katrina is a professional counselor at agencies in both Champaign and Sullivan and is also an essential team member of the Illinois English Bulldog Rescue (IEBR). In what little spare time she has, Katrina created and oversees Sullivan, IL Rocks—a rock painting group dedicated to spreading happiness and cheer in the community—and was instrumental in organizing fundraising efforts to upgrade the Coles County Dragway for fellow and future racers during her high-risk pregnancy. In short, Katrina has dedicated her entire life to supporting and nurturing the most vulnerable among us—children, adolescents, animals, and fellow humans in need—while serving as a beacon of light wherever she goes.


Those of us lucky enough to call Katrina and Shane friends can attest to the fact that their generosity and kindness knows no bounds. We are asking you to share the love and support they give so willingly.


“Lean upon me, I’ll lean upon you, We’ll be okay.” –Dave Matthews Band