The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 31: Silas Willey
“Behind every scar there is and untold story of survival.”
This is a quote that stuck out to Silas’s parents (Shawn and Lisa) through their sons battle. Silas was dianosed with a rare and inoperable brain tumor in June of 2014.
Prior to his diagnosis they noticed that baby Silas was losing weight. He was throwing up more than normal and they decided to seek medical advice. In April, he was treated with an NG feeding tube hoping this would help him gain weight.
June came and still not significant weight gain and now Shawn noticed a rotation in one of his eyes (later diagnosed as nystagmus). Lisa immediately made a call to Rochester, MN where the Mayo clinic is located and within days they were all there. The entire family even moved there for a period of time as the 5 hour trip one way (from Fond Du Lac, WI) was too much.
On October 17, 2017, Silas suffered what they were told was a catastrophic brain bleed that was unsurvivable. His Oncologist from Mayo called immediately and told the E.R. Doctor something they will never forget, “this boy is not your average boy, he is a fighter and you need to get him on a helicopter heading to the nearest pediatric trauma center”.
Lisa reflects with this, “Here we are, 4+ years later and Silas has not only survived, but is exceeding expectations. He has been making huge strides lately in school and his therapy sessions. Si is such an unbelievable kid, and we are so blessed to have him in our lives.”
Here is Silas celebrating his 8th Birthday! What an incredible fighter!
Every Day We Fight is honored and blessed to dedicate Day 31 of 32 to a boy that defies the odds and never stops fighting, Silas Willey.
Murph: 27:10
Thank you Stacy Rodgers for the nomination.
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website