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(ERIE, PA)--As a local ambassador for the March of Dimes, Nathan Murphy stepped up to the pitcher's mound to throw the first pitch during June 10's Erie SeaWolves game. Nathan was born prematurely and spent the first 3 1/2 weeks of his life in neonatal intensive care at Hamot Medical Center before his parents could bring him home for the first time. But his early arrival was not the only challenge young Nathan faced. At four months of age, he underwent cranial reconstructive surgery to correct a birth defect: cranial stenosis.
“Once home from the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) with a healthy son, we were just starting to feel settled into our new life with Nathan, so it was alarming to be told he would have to face another challenge in his young life. As a mom, I wanted to do everything possible to protect Nathan and give him a normal start in life," says Leah Murphy, mother. "Ten years later, we all realize Nathan is a living miracle. Being able to see him do typical kids stuff—or throwing a pitch at a SeaWolves game—brings such joy. Other parents may take for granted their child’s ability to run, swim, play sports, but for us, it means so much that he has a chance to enjoy a healthy and active childhood.”
Over the past decade, the March of Dimes has funded over $1.5 million in research for cranial stenosis, just one of 6,000 types of identifiable birth defects. Cranial stenosis can interfere with the brain's growth, but luckily, in Nathan's case, surgery corrected the problem. A zig-zagged scar is the only physical reminder of the struggles the Murphy faced during Nathan's infancy.
Today, athletic and outgoing, Nathan was proud to participate in WalkAmerica Appreciation Day at Jerry Uht Park. Nathan's own walking team (Nathan's Happy Feet) raised over $6,000 during the campaign, as a way to help the March of Dimes continue funding research to save more babies.
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