My name is Elliot Murphy, and running has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. After losing my dad in January 2021, I turned to running as a way to process my grief, find peace, and honor his memory. Since then, I’ve completed multiple marathons, ultramarathons, and triathlons while carrying his ashes in a necklace. This weekend,
I’ll be taking on the Pumpkin Holler 100-mile ultramarathon, using the journey to honor my dad Frank and raise awareness and support for Comfort Zone Camp.
I hope my story can help remind others who are grieving that they aren’t alone and that there is hope beyond loss.
About Comfort Zone Camp
1 out of 11 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach the age of 18. Grieving children often feel isolated because most friends can't relate to their loss, family members are consumed with their own grief, and society rewards them for "toughening up". At camp, they rediscover being a kid again with people who "get it".
CZC programs are free of charge and include trust-building activities and age-based support groups that break the emotional isolation grief often brings.
The good news is - YOU can help send a grieving kid to camp!
Celebrate 27 years of CZC providing camps for grieving children by fundraising with your swim team. Every dollar raised lets a child know they are not alone in their grief journey.