CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The Williams College women's crew team always looks forward to competing in the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta, but this year's group has an added incentive.
Abby Murphy '25, who competed as a captain for the squad during the 2024-25 season, tragically saw her mother, Karen Murphy, pass away due to breast cancer on June 26. Abby courageously decided to use this opportunity Saturday on the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to improve countless lives, as the Ephs' alumnae boat will be raising money for the American Cancer Society.
"The women's crew team will see alumnae racing at the Head of the Charles for the first time in years," said Abby. "It is going to be a fun reunion that also shows how critical to our college experience rowing and the community we made through the team was."
Abby looks forward to combining her craft and personal story to raise awareness.
"I am going into the race with a very heavy heart," said Abby. "My mom passed away in June after a brief battle with aggressive breast cancer, becoming very ill while she traveled to watch the team at the 2025 NCAA Championships. She was a big supporter of not just my lifelong athletic endeavors, but also of the Williams' crew team in general. As it is also October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, having a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society is something that is very meaningful to me."
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