When Ezra was just three months old, Carolina and David McMurphy noticed a large, fast-growing lump on the side of his neck. What they thought might be a simple infection turned out to be the start of a much more serious journey. That lump ruptured before they could even get to an ENT, and it became the beginning of Ezra’s diagnosis with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a rare, inherited immune disorder.
“We had no idea what we were dealing with at first,” Carolina shared. “Tests were run, samples taken, but we had no answers. I thought maybe it was a one-time issue.”
But by the time Ezra was just four months old, the infections returned, fast, painful, and aggressive. A third infection, in August 2022, was the worst yet. Ezra had trouble sleeping, fevers, and intense pain. “I’ll never forget that one,” said Carolina. “When we finally got to the hospital and had it drained, I felt such a sense of relief, and so did Ezra. Even with a bandage on his neck, he went back to smiling and giggling.”
Doctors told Carolina that a bone marrow transplant (BMT) was Ezra’s best chance at survival. “At first, I didn’t know much about it, and I was scared. But when I learned that his odds of survival at age 30 were only 50/50 without a transplant, I knew we had to do it.”
Ezra has faced this journey with the heart of a warrior. In the months leading up to his BMT, the McMurphy family had to scale back on social activities to protect his health, no playdates or parks, only walks around the neighborhood and playtime at home. It was a precious time for their family to be together before the weeks of hospital isolation began.
The physical toll of a BMT is immense, and preparing Ezra’s body for the intense chemotherapy and treatment was critical. “It was so hard to be separated from our family during that time. Ariel missed her little brother so much,” Carolina recalled.
Throughout their time at Texas Children’s Hospital, His Grace Foundation (HGF) became a source of comfort and care.
“We first came in contact with HGF when we received the Welcome Basket. It was filled with hospital essentials and toys for Ezra, and even Ariel received a toy at home. I can’t tell you how much that meant to us.”
From weekly enrichment activities to holiday celebrations, HGF made sure the McMurphys felt supported and seen. “I especially looked forward to the Thursday hot meals. We were told that the hospital wouldn’t provide food for caregivers, just Ezra. I always packed meals, but knowing that HGF would bring a delicious, warm meal once a week was such a gift. And seeing Ezra eat and enjoy it too brought me so much joy.”
One memory that stands out the most for Carolina was Christmas 2024, when HGF transformed the unit into a festive Grinch-themed wonderland. “They brought trees we could decorate in our rooms, and Ezra absolutely loved it. It brought so much joy during such a hard time.”
The small details, like having snacks and microwavable items available in the family room, also made a big difference. “I never wanted to leave Ezra’s bedside for too long, and being able to just walk over and grab a snack or a drink helped me stay close and not miss a single update from the doctors or nurses. It also saved us money, which mattered.”
Today, Ezra is in outpatient care and doing well. While he hasn’t yet been cleared to return home due to low CO2 levels, Carolina is hopeful. “Every day brings us closer to home and back to a sense of normal. I know the journey isn’t over yet, but I am so grateful to HGF and Texas Children’s Hospital for the incredible support.”
She ends with heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you, His Grace Foundation, for walking alongside us in this journey. You made us feel seen, heard, and cared for, and that means everything.”
