Hope Murtaugh

Hope Murtaugh’s cancer journey has been marked by deep resilience, unshakable faith, and a commitment to living life with boldness and grace. Originally from the Southeast and a long-time resident of Greenville, SC, Hope and her husband, David, have raised three sons, who are now grown and bringing the joy of grandchildren into her life. But alongside the blessings, her life has also been profoundly shaped by two separate cancer diagnoses, both of which she has faced with unwavering strength and optimism.

Hope’s first experience with cancer began at age 39, when she was diagnosed with stage III HER2-positive breast cancer. At the time, her youngest child was just three years old and her oldest was in the sixth grade. The diagnosis was daunting: the tumor was nearly the size of a kitchen sponge and had spread to four lymph nodes. It was necessary to confront the disease head-on through extensive surgery, aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and a year-long immunotherapy regimen with Herceptin. In the end, after multiple reconstructive surgeries, this cancer encounter was a rigorous four-year battle, one that hijacked life’s rhythms for her entire family, but which also left Hope transformed in positive ways.

Seven years ago, cancer returned in the form of stage I anal cancer. A small lesion, just 8mm, brought with it a treatment course that Hope describes as "killing an ant with a nuclear bomb." Once again, she endured chemotherapy and radiation, a physically grueling process that tested her body and attitude. Yet through it all, Hope remained focused on healing, guided by the compassionate care she received from the Prisma Health teams and the Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship.

For Hope, cancer survivorship has not simply been about monitoring her health—it has meant reclaiming her life with intention. The long-term follow-up provided through the Lifetime Clinic has given her support for managing lasting effects like lymphedema, neuropathy, and emotional wellness. She speaks with gratitude about the thorough, holistic attention to quality of life that has defined her care.

What truly sets Hope’s story apart is her perspective. She describes her cancer experiences, paradoxically, as "great" ones—not because they were easy, but because they brought deep personal growth, forged through adversity. Cancer, while being the hardest physical challenge of her life, became the gateway to a spiritual deepening.

Hope now lives more boldly. She takes more risks, reaches out to others more intentionally, and uses her story to encourage those newly diagnosed. Her message to current cancer patients is clear and empowering: "You are bigger than your cancer. It does not define you."

Hope Murtaugh continues to live her one precious life with courage, compassion, and a calling to inspire. Through every challenge, she reminds us all that healing from cancer is not just about surviving—it’s about discovering the spiritual warrior inside us all.

Hope is sponsored by Gina Franco.