AUBURN, MA — On Sunday, October 10, Bill Murphy of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation in Auburn successfully completed 26.2 miles on crutches on the track at Worcester State University as a participant in the virtual 125th Boston Marathon® on Team Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
As a team member, Bill is fundraising to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses through Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. To-date, his 2021 marathon fundraising has yielded nearly $20,000.

Bill Murphy, third from left (with crutches) [Submitted Photo]
Bill’s creative and tenacious approach to fulfilling his commitment as a Team Make-A-Wish member illustrates his loyal support of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “The power of a wish gives strength, joy, and hope and also creates memories for the wish child and their families that will last forever,” affirms Bill.
Inspired by his cousin’s wish experience, Bill, who is a branch manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation in Auburn, has raised more than $350,000 over the past 15 years for Make-A-Wish, through client appreciation events with the Worcester Sharks, participation in fundraising runs and a 30-mile fundraising hike, and a monthly donation in honor of his loan clients.
“Bill’s perseverance and commitment are incredible and he wouldn’t let an injury stop him from supporting our wish children through the Boston Marathon,” says Sean Holleran, CEO of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “He carries the Make-A-Wish mission in his heart and we saw that on the track as he powered through his laps. Bill has helped make wishes come true for more than 30 children since 2006 and his marathon fundraising will help fulfill the wishes of at least two more children with critical illnesses. We’re very thankful to Bill for his generosity in supporting wish children and their families, and to the John Hancock Non-Profit Program for helping to make this opportunity possible.”

Murphy starts his virtual Boston Marathon at 4am at Worcester State. [Submitted Photo]
Donations to Bill’s fundraising can still be made at www.massri.wish.org/marathon and updates on his experience are available on his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/make.a.wish.running.for.wishes.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and how you can get involved, visit www.massri.wish.org.