Vigil held for cancer-stricken student
By KATE STEER
Assistant News Editor
To say that the past week has been a rough one would be an understatement for Notre Dame sophomore Conor Murphy.
Murphy was diagnosed with leukemia last Friday. After his diagnosis, he returned home from Washington, D.C., where he has been studying, to Cleveland, Ohio, where he will begin chemotherapy today at University Hospital.
Murphy's doctors have narrowed his condition to one of two types of leukemia: acute myeloid and acute lymphocytic.
"Since [his diagnosis], we've all been praying for him," said sophomore Steve Napleton, a close friend of Murphy. "He's in good spirits. I don't think there's any doubt in his mind that he's going to overcome this."
Most people who know Murphy describe him as ambitious, someone who works hard and plays hard. A government major, he is the only sophomore to be spending in the semester in Washington, D.C.
"He's one of those people who always gives everything his all," said Napleton. "He's very involved in various organizations. He takes studying seriously, but also takes spending time with friends and having a good time seriously as well."
After his freshman year, Murphy spent the summer in Belfast, Northern Ireland, working under a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Friends say that he has been "trying to take the bull by the horns," since he arrived at Notre Dame.
Zahm Hall sponsored a Vigil of Hope for Murphy Wednesday. The vigil ended with Mass at the Grotto.
"More people showed up and helped to celebrate Mass with us than we ever expected," said Napleton. "Not only that, but our goal was to have at least one person there during the entire 24 hours, and at all times there were at least three or four, so there was just a fantastic turnout."
One of the most important aspects of the vigil service was that during Mass, Murphy was praying along with the readings that had been sent to him.
"Truly I think it was a great example of the Notre Dame community getting together and supporting one of its members," Napleton said.
At the vigil, people were able to write words of encouragement and support to Murphy in a journal that will be sent to him in the near future.
Father Jim Lies, the rector of Zahm Hall said the event has brought the campus together.
"Conor's circumstances have brought us even closer together and reminded us of what's really important," said Lies. "Folks from all over campus have expressed their regards and prayed with us. It has been a great boost for Conor."
Lies asked for continued prayers for Murphy and his family. The journal with words of encouragement which was available at the Grotto during the vigil will now be placed outside Lies' room at 132 Zahm Hall, for the next few days before being sent to Murphy.
All News Stories for Thursday, March 2, 2000
