Pounding pavement: fighting cancer one step at a time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  "Ready. Set. Go!"

Those were the magic words said by the children of Tech. Sgt. Rob Murphy, 86th Communications Squadron, to kick off the 10K run held in his honor here July 7.

"Rob was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive kind of sarcoma earlier this year," said Krissie Murphy, Rob's wife. "He loved to run, it was his passion."

Members from Murphy's squadron have risen to the occasion and stepped up to help the family.

"It's amazing to be supported by everyone while we are trying to deal with this devastating news," said Krissie. "We try to take it day by day and having the support of the community has been a God send."

A Ramstein Boy Scout troop came out to show their support for one of their own by handing out water to the runners.

"It was really nice to have them here because I am usually doing things like this with my troop," said Noah Murphy, one of Rob's sons. "It was great to have them doing this for me."

Sarcoma is an extremely rare and very aggressive malignant tumor. By the time Rob was correctly diagnosed the cancer had metastasized to the surrounding veins and his lungs, Krissie said.

"The military is able to provide limited transportation and financial support to the family," said Lt. Col. Brad Barnhart, 86th Mission Support Group deputy commander. "However, there are numerous incidental costs the family is enduring. The great support and donations from the community today will help cover costs for family travel from the states, fuel costs for the daily trips to the Homburg Medical Clinic and other necessities."

The family plans on visiting Rob after the run to let him know how it went.

"I can't wait to tell him that I completed the whole thing," said Sarah Murphy, Rob's daughter. "He is going to be so excited and proud that I did it all!"

More than 260 people participated in the 10k and Rob's wife took some pictures before the race to show him the number of people supporting him.

"When I showed him the pictures of all the people who came out to the run he was so humbled," she said. "He couldn't believe how many people were there."

Before the run began Krissie said a few words to everyone who came out to support the family.

"It is Rob's unwavering faith in God that keeps us strong and his steadfast resolve to fight that keep us moving forward," said Krissie. "But it is your heartfelt support that enables us to keep our pace and not get tripped up and stumble over the little things and, for that and so much more, we thank you."

Rob is now stable and began radiation treatment this week to the cancer that has metastasized to his brain, which will happen every day for two weeks, Krissie said.