Triumph Over Adversity: Lauren's Inspiring Journey
On the morning of April 19, 2013, everything changed.
While out for a routine morning run in Los Angeles, Lauren was struck by a car and left with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). With no ID on her, she remained a Jane Doe for hours. By the time her parents arrived at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, doctors gave a devastating prognosis: if she survived, she would likely never walk, talk, feed herself, or understand language again.
But Lauren has never been one to follow the script.
Through months of intensive care, years of therapy, and relentless determination, she has rewritten every expectation set before her. Her recovery journey has taken her across the country and deep into the heart of what it means to fight for your life, with strength, with family, and with faith in something bigger.
Today, Lauren lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, where she continues to work on her recovery. Despite ongoing challenges including a high risk of seizures she chooses courage every single day. Though running is one of her seizure triggers, she hasn’t let that stop her. To date, she’s completed more than 38 5Ks with her dad by her side.
In 2021, her mom Colleen published Murphys Don’t Quit: 5 Keys to Unlocking Hope When Life Seems Hopeless. Together, they’ve shared their story with thousands across the country on stages, in hospitals, at leadership conferences, and inside classrooms. Their message is simple but powerful: no matter what life throws at you, don’t give up.
Lauren’s journey is about more than recovery. It’s about showing up when things are hard, finding light in the darkest moments, and leaning on love when strength runs low. It’s about laughter, resilience, and the quiet power of hope.
It’s about choosing to keep going even when the odds say you shouldn’t.
Because Murphys don’t quit.
The Road to Recovery
Lauren’s recovery has been a journey of relentless determination. With the mantra “Murphys Don’t Quit,” she has defied the odds, embracing life with positivity and strength. Her story is not just about overcoming physical challenges but also about the power of hope and community. Through her speaking engagements, Lauren shares her experiences, motivating others to face their own battles with courage and resilience.
A Journey of Resilience and Hope
In 2013, Lauren Murphy was hit by a car while out for a run — and the world as her family knew it changed forever. After surviving a severe traumatic brain injury and undergoing multiple brain surgeries, Lauren’s journey of healing became a testament to grit, love, and the power of showing up.
Written by her mom, Colleen Murphy, Murphys Don’t Quit shares the raw, emotional, and ultimately hopeful story of a family learning to navigate life after trauma. Through setbacks, small victories, and unwavering support, Colleen discovered five powerful keys that helped them unlock hope even on the darkest days.
Whether you’re a caregiver, survivor, medical professional, or someone simply looking for inspiration, this book is a reminder that while we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond — and that hope lives in the people who refuse to give up.