The Murph Challenge Day 13: Kelsey and Maxley Ferguson.
Day 13 of 31 is dedicated two of of the strongest fighters I know. Kelsey and Maxley are a one of a kind mother/son duo. My connection to the family happened many years earlier when I played college football with Kelsey’s husband, Scott Ferguson.
Prior to Maxley’s birth Scott became sick. Unknown to him or his family, Scott had a rare autoimmune disease, Wegener’s Vasculitis, which affects the blood vessels. Scott unexpectedly passed away on June 8, 2018. In his final moments, Kelsey was at his bedside holding his hand and telling him how much he was loved.
Just 4 days later Maxley Russell Ferguson entered the world. He was 2lbs 4oz and 14.25 inches long. He has a chromosomal abnormality called 12q14. It means he is missing a tiny piece on his 12th chromosome. It typically affects growth and development. He was born over 6 weeks early at 33 weeks and 5 days gestation. Kelsey and Maxley spent the next 99 days in the NICU/ICC after he was born.
Three months later doctors determined that Maxley would need open heart surgery. Surgery initially went well, but his health quickly declined and he had to be put on life support. There was a very real possibility that he was not going to make it. However, after another 112 days in the hospital Maxley was able to go home. Proof that he is one of the strongest little fighters out there.
I’ve been following Kelsey and Maxley’s story for years and I’m always inspired by their strength. Kelsey is a woman that has fought so many battles and finds a way to never lose hope. She smiles, laughs, and fully loves her amazing son every day. I hope they experience extra of those today as it’s Maxley Russell Ferguson’s 3rd Birthday. Wishing you happiest of Birthdays buddy!
Every Day We Fight is blessed to dedicate today’s Murph Challenge to two amazing fighters: Kelsey and Maxley Ferguson.
Day 13 of 31 Murph Time: 28:36
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