Lauren White Murphy – New York | MS Journeys
For Lauren White Murphy, who is living in New York, multiple sclerosis has meant learning to carry both strength and uncertainty while continuing to live fully and creatively.
“Living with MS is learning how to carry both strength and uncertainty at the same time, while still choosing to live fully and creatively every day.”
MS has changed the way Lauren sees life. She says it has slowed her down enough to appreciate moments she once rushed past, while also making her stronger, more compassionate and more determined to create meaningful work.
“It taught me that resilience is not about pretending everything is okay, but about continuing forward even on difficult days.”
Her advice to someone newly diagnosed is full of reassurance and hope.
“Your life is not over, and your dreams are still valid. There will be hard moments, but there will also be joy, love, achievement and growth ahead of you. Give yourself patience and grace while you learn this new version of life.”
Support has played an essential role in Lauren’s MS journey. She says MS can feel invisible at times, and that having people who truly listen, encourage and stand beside you makes an enormous difference.
“My family, friends, and wider community reminded me that I never had to face it alone.”
MS Ireland has also played an important role in Lauren’s life, giving her connection, understanding and purpose during some of the hardest periods.
Through her artwork and fundraising, she says MS Ireland gave her a way to turn her own experience into something positive that could help and inspire others.
For Lauren, being part of the wider MS community means belonging to a group of people who understand one another without needing long explanations.
“There is comfort in knowing others truly understand the invisible battles, but also the victories, no matter how small they may seem.”
One of the things that has surprised Lauren most about living with MS is the strength of the human spirit.
Even during uncertainty, she discovered new creativity, deeper empathy and a stronger sense of purpose than she expected.
Among the biggest challenges she faces is the unpredictability of MS. Some days her body feels capable, while on other days even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.
She says balancing ambition with rest has been a constant lesson.
Art has become one of Lauren’s greatest forms of healing.
Before her diagnosis, she was a songwriter and ghostwriter in Los Angeles, but MS changed her relationship with music. Painting gave her another creative outlet.
“Painting allows me to express emotions that are difficult to put into words.”
Alongside creativity, Lauren says movement, rest, supportive people and focusing on gratitude all help her manage physically and emotionally.
She is proud that she has continued creating and sharing her art around the world while living with MS.
From murals to exhibitions and charity work, she has used creativity to connect with people and bring light and inspiration to others.
Lauren is keen to challenge the misconception that if someone looks fine, they must be fine.
She says MS is often invisible, and many people are managing pain, fatigue or symptoms that others cannot see.
“Compassion and understanding go a long way.”
Her message to others living with MS is one of strength and purpose:
“You are far stronger than you realise. Even on the days when you feel exhausted or discouraged, your story still matters and your life still holds purpose. Don’t stop believing in yourself or the future you want to create.”
For Lauren, World MS Day is important because it brings visibility, understanding and unity to millions of people living with MS.
It reminds people that their voices and experiences matter, and that no one should feel alone in their journey.
Lauren also created an MS sweater a few years ago and says it is a wonderful feeling to see people wear it and support the cause.
Lauren’s story is one of creativity, resilience and hope, showing how purpose, connection and self-expression can help people continue to thrive while living with MS.
Lauren’s MS Diagnosis Journey
