Episode 17: Transplant Recipient Series with special guest, Murphy Stidham

Show Notes

This episode is dedicated to Liz

On today’s episode Kristin and Tiffany get to chat with Murphy Swiedals (though in the medical community she is known as Murphy Stidham) as she openly shares her journey through transplant. Murphy received a double lung transplant when she was 24 after being diagnosed with COPA Syndrome at the age of 2. COPA (an inherited mutation in the coatomer subunit alpha gene) is a rare genetic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple systems of the body, especially the lungs, kidneys and joints. Murphy talks about growing up with a chronic illness and going through the transplant journey as a young adult. Murphy talks about her balance of being a patient, being her own person, and her relationships with her health team.

This episode’s quote was actually a song that Murphy used to get through her journey. She shares her story of Kesha’s song Praying that helped her get through her waiting and hospitalization. Listen here: https://youtu.be/v-Dur3uXXCQ

Lyrics can be found on our webpage, but a favorite line from the song: 

“I'm proud of who I am

No more monsters, I can breathe again

And you said that I was done

Well, you were wrong and now the best is yet to come

'Cause I can make it on my own

And I don't need you, I found a strength I've never known”

COPA Information:

COPA Syndrome Foundation – COPA Syndrome Foundation

COPA Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD (rarediseases.org)

Please visit our show website for more resources and additional information related to today’s episode:

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