Rachael Murphy left this world for a far better one on November 14, 2003. Despite congenital heart defects that caused her to undergo six open-heart surgeries, two heart transplants, and a kidney transplant, Rachael "fought a good fight," maintained an adventurous zest for life and achieved much during her 25 years. An accomplished jazz dancer and gymnast, she won numerous state and national awards in both individual and team competitions. Rachael earned a BS in Nursing in the year 2000 and fulfilled her lifelong dream of helping children hospitalized as she had been by working at Primary Children's Medical Center. She also worked as a nurse at the University of Utah Medical Center, St. Marks Hospital and OHSU Hospital in Portland, Oregon. A member of the Bahá'í Faith since 1990, Rachael was active in Bahá'í youth activities in multiple states. She participated in Bahá'í-sponsored community service projects in San Diego; Portland, Oregon; Scotland; and the Ukraine. Rachael was the founder of and driving force behind Reflections of Diversity, a group of youth who used dance, music, and drama to raise awareness of social issues such as racism, poverty, and violence. In their over 300 performances, the group reached hundreds of thousands with their message of hope. She was nominated and served as a Torch Bearer for the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics. Rachael was an inspiration to every one whose path she crossed and will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather Susan and Nelson LeDuc, father and stepmother Norman and Barbara Murphy, sister Marie, brothers Matt, Ben, Dan and Mark, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, niece Acacia and her puppies, Skipper and Samantha. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Rachael's memory to the: Schipperke Club of America, Mary S. Cox, National Rescue Coordinated, 2766 Heathfield Road, Bloomfield, MI 48301. A special thanks to the doctors, nurses, CNA's on 7 West at LDS Hospital.

(Published in Deseret News, November 15, 2003)