Deirdre Strong!

To know Deirdre is to love Deirdre and we all know it is nearly impossible to slow her down. However in July 2022, Deirdre developed a cough that progressed and was eventually diagnosed as a symptom of Interstitial Lung Disease. Johns Hopkins became her caregivers and Deirdre’s new unexpected journey began. You all know how hard she fought (pickleball, body pump workouts, yoga, and the occasional night out) but eventually, a week ago today, Deirdre was admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital-Baltimore as her condition was quickly deteriorating and she was no longer able to sustain herself on the oxygen treatment we had at our home. With Hopkins as our new home, Deirdre continued her fight and became more comfortable on the magic of high flow oxygen.

And then suddenly, four days later on Tuesday at 7PM, Deirdre received the call…the family of a donor on life support was preparing to make one of life’s most difficult decisions and the donor’s lungs were a match. Emotions were high and tears of joy and sadness were soon followed by heightened anxiety. Our thoughts went to the donor and family and we prayed for them. To be honest, it has been something we have thought and talked about everyday since. They will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. 

The lungs were acquired the morning of Wednesday 4/2 and, after a 90 minute plane delay, arrived in Baltimore. Soon after, Deirdre’s surgeon walked into our room and said the surgery was a go. (Out of respect and privacy, I am not going to actually discuss what was said but he and the entire transplant team were outstanding.)

Letting go of each other at that moment was the hardest thing we have had to do as a family to date. I will be forever grateful for my “Murphy Girls” family!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

That’s all from me. I actually created this blog for Deirdre and all of you.. her wonderful family and friends. Love!

-“Deirdre’s husband”

Comments

  1. Beth CelestiniApril 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM

    Beautiful Brian, we love you DM!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Todd B.April 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM

    Brian our prayers continue for Deirdre and your beautiful family. Stay strong brother we love you all!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dennis M.April 4, 2025 at 5:19 PM

    Thank you for this. Very immensely proud of Deidre. Her strength is our inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brian and PattyApril 4, 2025 at 5:23 PM

    Our hearts and prayers are with you Deirdra as you embark on this journey of healing. We are all inspired by your strength and your incredible, loving family that gave you support, love and the will for you to get better, no matter how difficult it’s been. We send our love, and are praying every day for your continued healing. We love you Deirdre!

    Brian and Patty Parr

    ReplyDelete
  5. DeborahApril 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM

    Been praying for you all 🙏

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kim MarinApril 4, 2025 at 5:46 PM

    You are so loved strong Love you

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Dunn FamilyApril 4, 2025 at 8:34 PM

    Overjoyed with this wonderful news. Our prayers continue for Deirdre’s ongoing recovery. The entire Murphy family remains in our thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Penelope SciortinoApril 4, 2025 at 11:16 PM

    I’m so relieved to hear that your surgery went well. You’ve been in my thoughts constantly, Deirdre. Thank you for this blog Brian. So comforting to know. I have so much love and respect for the donor. Thank you for literally breathing new life into my friend. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Daragh BolandApril 5, 2025 at 9:34 AM

    Words cannot express how grateful I am for the donor, their family, and for everyone who has helped you along this journey. Our prayers will continue for you and your health, and we will add prayers of gratitude. So grateful to have you facing a new chapter filled with deep breaths, strong hugs, and tender kisses. Love you bunches!! And I love the family who gifted us with the joy of hearing your laughter once again.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nancy LavinApril 5, 2025 at 7:31 PM

    So happy to see that smile!! Love you friend

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nancy and MikeApril 5, 2025 at 7:33 PM

    MURPH! Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete

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