In September 2022, the Nowak family’s world was turned upside down when their son Murphy was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive form of pediatric cancer—his small body riddled with over 1,000 tumors. Doctors began emergency treatment before official results were even back. What followed was an intense medical journey, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, abdominal surgery, radiation, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy.
Originally from Gympie, Queensland, the family relocated to Adelaide for critical treatment and later made the life-changing decision to move to Charlotte, NC, so Murphy could join a clinical trial aimed at preventing relapse. With an 85% relapse rate and only 5% long-term survival after relapse, this trial offered Murphy his best shot—and his parents didn’t hesitate.
Financially and emotionally, the journey has been incredibly challenging for the Nowak family. In 2025, the Tyler Robinson Foundation awarded the family a Signature Grant, helping ease the financial pressure and allowing them to fully focus on Murphy’s healing.
Today, Murphy is in remission—with clear scans and a bright future ahead. He’s a creative, curious, and energetic kid who loves the color blue, making crafts and coloring, trying science experiments, shooting basketballs, and laughing along with Captain Underpants and Grizzy and the Lemmings.
Each day, his smile reminds his family of just how far he’s come—and of the miracle they continue to witness.