The Mercer community has helped raise over $17,000 in eight days for a women's soccer player whose parents recently died.
Two weeks ago, Kim Murphy's dad died from a heart attack, and her mother died of cancer three days ago, according to a GoFundMe page created by Murphy's aunt, Kimberly Cropp.
"Kim is in desperate need of our help and would never ask for it herself. I am certain it is hard for us all to imagine the pain that Kim is dealing with right now. If we all could help ease some of the financial burden that she will encounter over these next few months, I know she would be extremely grateful," wrote Cropp on the page.
Her father was the only source of income for the family, and due to her mother's cancer, the family had defaulted on their insurance premiums. The money raised will relieve financial troubles for Murphy throughout her remaining years in college, said the head coach of the women's soccer team, Tony Economopoulos in an email to Mercer faculty.
Once hearing of the tragedy, Mercer students and student-led organizations, such as the Mercer Maniacs, stepped in to donate money and share the page over social media.
The GoFundMe page has received more than 300 shares on Facebook and more than 90 tweets. As of now, 184 people have donated $17,005. The goal is to raise $25,000.
"Thank you so much to the Mercer University Soccer Team and community for your concern and support of my niece Kim Murphy. My brother was so proud of her accomplishments at Mercer. You have made a very sad time for our family much more bearable. Thank you," wrote Patti Villnave, a relative of Murphy's.
