Jaclyn's Story

In 2004, nine year old Jaclyn Murphy was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. Through chance events she became connected to and later adopted by a collegiate lacrosse team as an honorary team member.

Jaclyn’s strength, courage, relentless spirit, and joy for life inspired the players. The team went on to a perfect season, winning their first NCAA national championship in 64 years.

Later, Jaclyn shared her dream of helping all of the sick children in the hospital with her family. In 2005, the Murphy Family created the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors, allowing them to: Live in the Moment…Play in the Moment. Today, Friends of Jaclyn has helped over 950 families with brain tumors and other childhood cancers.

Jaclyn graduated from Marist College in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.