Ashley Rose Murphy, from the day she was born to now, she is a fighter. Since birth she was infected with HIV and was only expected to live a couple months. Ashley is 17 years old, living well and alive. She has overcome many challenges to be the person she is. She overcame barriers in her life such as mild cerebral palsy, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and a learning disability.
Ashley was removed from her birth mother’s care and the Child Protective Services had a mission to find Ashley a new family. 200 calls later a couple by the names of Don and Kari Murphy had so lovingly welcomed her into their family. The Murphys already had their hands full with 5 other children of which all had special needs. Ashley was never put down, she was always in her foster parents’ arms or in a sling beside them. Her parents thought if they put her down in the cradle that she would die alone. At 7 years of age Ashley’s parents told her that she is living with HIV and to not tell anyone about her status. Ashley knew she didn’t do anything wrong, so she just started telling people. She received lots of discrimination. Ashley was uninvited from parties, given disposable cups and utensils, and some parents even banned their children from playing with her. This only made Ashley want to talk out more about HIV and AIDS. Ashley now goes around the world bringing strength and courage by sharing her story with the young people of the world. She is making her mark in the world and is continuing to help others.
Ashley Rose murphy
How HIV Changed Her Life
Magazine / June,2016 20