Bill Murphy, a second-degree black belt in Krav Maga at America’s Best Defense Shrewsbury, is about to embark on an extraordinary journey.
He’s training to compete in The Great World Race—an awe-inspiring challenge in which athletes run in seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days—and Bill is doing it all to raise money for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His mission combines physical endurance, mental fortitude, a passion for adventure, and an unwavering desire to give back to the community.
A Journey Fueled by Purpose
When asked what motivated him to take on such an arduous undertaking, Bill’s answer was simple: he wanted to make a difference.
A supporter of Make-A-Wish for 20 years and a member of his regional chapter’s Board of Directors, Murphy has raised nearly $600,000 through personal donations and efforts as well as monetary support through Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, where he’s the Auburn location’s branch manager.
Murphy is hoping to raise $50,000 through his The Great World Race initiative, but he stressed that more donations are needed to continue the organization’s work.
“If we meet our fundraising goal, it’s only going to fund a little bit more than four wishes. There’s 600 wishes that need to be fulfilled right now, and each wish is $12,000,” he said. “So my endeavor is just going to scratch the surface and help some of these kids fulfill their wishes.”
His words echo the principles taught in the Krav Maga classes he has attended for years at America’s Best Defense Shrewsbury. He credits his martial arts training with providing the mental resilience needed to push his limits.
Giving Back with Every Step
Bill’s goal is not just to conquer these grueling marathons, but to do so while raising substantial funds for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts.
He says the kids he’s raising money for inspire him to keep fighting, because they have no choice but to fight themselves.
“Kids with critical illnesses don’t have a choice but to fight. What’s what’s a blister on my toe compared to what these kids are dealing with? So you just keep pushing through,” he said. “It’s remarkable what the human spirit and what these kids can do.”
Bill’s connection to giving back runs deep, and it’s something that resonates strongly at America’s Best Defense. Instructors and students alike have shown their support for Bill’s upcoming challenge, cheering him on during training sessions and helping to spread the word about his cause.
“They’re even supporting me by having an event to support my race and help raise funds for Make-a-Wish,” Murphy said.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
This is not the first time Bill has faced a daunting challenge. As the author of Thriving in the Storm, a book that delves into the principles of overcoming adversity, Bill has dedicated much of his life to sharing lessons on resilience. Competing in The Great World Race is just another testament to his core belief that, no matter the storm, there’s always a way to thrive.
“I’m not going to be a world record holder. I just want to keep pushing myself. The average person can be capable of way more than they ever thought possible,” Murphy said.
Support Bill and Make-A-Wish Massachusetts
The Great World Race will take Bill from the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the bustling cities of Asia, all in a mere week’s time. Each step he takes will bring him closer to his goal of transforming the lives of children through Make-A-Wish.
America’s Best Defense Shrewsbury is proud to support Bill on this incredible journey. His dedication exemplifies the core values of perseverance, giving back, and striving to make a positive difference. To support Bill and follow his progress, check out his fundraising page.
Together, we can help make a difference, one marathon at a time.
Stay updated on Bill’s journey as he prepares for The Great World Race. You can follow him on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Recent news stories about Bill’s mission: