Colleen Murphy & Lauren Murphy

Colleen Murphy is a mother of seven, author, and public speaker whose life was transformed by a significant family crisis. Her daughter, Lauren Murphy, a young professional who had earned a master's degree and relocated to New York City for her career, was struck by a car during a morning run in Los Angeles. Lauren sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and remained unidentified for hours; when her parents arrived at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, doctors delivered a prognosis that she would likely never walk, talk, feed herself, or understand language again. Lauren was also diagnosed with aphasia, a communication disorder affecting speech, comprehension, reading, and writing.

In response to this prognosis, Colleen became her daughter's primary advocate. With the support of medical specialists, family, friends, and her faith, she focused on Lauren's recovery. Through months of intensive care and years of therapy, Lauren exceeded medical expectations. She participated in an aphasia therapy bootcamp, regaining confidence and speech abilities. A significant milestone in her recovery was serving as the commencement speaker at her alma mater, Fontbonne University in St. Louis. Lauren now resides in O'Fallon, Missouri, continues her rehabilitation, and has completed more than 38 5K races with her father, despite ongoing health challenges.

Colleen documented their journey in the book, "Murphys Don't Quit: 5 Keys to Unlocking Hope When Life Seems Hopeless," which details Lauren's recovery and the family's experiences. The book addresses both the challenges and moments of humor that helped them navigate adversity.

Colleen and Lauren now speak together at events nationwide, sharing their experiences with audiences in hospitals, leadership conferences, and classrooms. As keynote speakers, they address topics such as overcoming adversity, motivation, and inspiration. Their presentations highlight the impact of family support, faith, and perseverance in the face of traumatic brain injury and aphasia, resonating with audiences across the country.