The Murph Challenge Day 9: Katie and Weston Wiens
I’ll never forget the first day I met Weston. He was a little shy when he first walked into our boxing club with his mom Katie, but after a couple minutes I saw his face light up when I grabbed some boxing gloves for him to wear. He felt what everyone who ever met him already knew: he was a FIGHTER.
When Weston was 2 years old he was diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). At that time Katie (Mom) stepped away from work to be his stay-at-home caretaker.
My first interaction at the boxing club with Weston was two years ago, but in the many interactions since the bond between Weston and Katie was special. Anyone who witnessed it felt something stir up in our hearts.
On April 30, 2021 an MRI revealed an increase of lesions in Weston’s brain and although his original tumor is stable there is nothing more that can be done medically speaking. Weston was transitioned into Comfort Care at home with his family during his final days.
“Our sweet boy is running and laughing in Heaven. He passed peacefully May 14 surrounded by so much love. I can say without a doubt that he kicked cancer’s butt. He never let it slow him down, take his joy for life away and if anything made him love so much more. We are blessed to have had him for the time we did and we will forever hold him in our hearts.” – Katie
When Katie first shared the news with me on his passing I thought back to that smile the first time he put on those boxing gloves on. I was reminded of their special love. I was reminded of Katie being an every day superhero mom guiding a young boy that possessed the power to leave a one of a kind imprint on this world.
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate today’s Murph Challenge to two amazing fighters: Katie and Weston Wiens.
Day 9 of 31 Murph Challenge Time: 30:13
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