Two Kids from Queens: A Family Legacy of Turning Blessings Into Blessings

Brendan and Cindy Murphy lovingly refer to themselves as “two little kids from Queens” who met on a blind date 50 years ago. Raised in happy but humble homes, Brendan and Cindy were no strangers to hard work. Brendan delivered newspapers; Cindy babysat. Vacations were rare, but their homes were always filled with love—and the assurance that no one was ever cold or hungry. They describe their life today as something they “could never have imagined,” blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and a life anchored in purpose.

In 2002, a beach weekend getaway led them to the charming coastal town of Port St. Joe. It was there they fell in love with the beach, and by 2008, they made Port St. Joe their full-time home, planting deeper roots in the community.

These days, Brendan and Cindy spend a lot of time cruising—exploring the world together from the deck of a ship. But when they’re not at sea, their lives are filled with family. Whether surrounded by their grandchildren or enjoying quiet moments with their children and in-laws, their greatest joy remains time spent with the people they love most.

In 2018, Brendan and Cindy formally turned their life’s blessings into blessings for others with the creation of the Brendan and Cindy Murphy Family Foundation. Their heart for giving was the driving force behind its mission: to “help local people” and “give where there’s a true need.” Each of their three children and their spouses have a voice in where and how the Foundation gives, making every gift a reflection of their shared values.

True to that mission, the Murphys’ philanthropy is often unseen—quiet gifts made from the heart. They’ve stepped in to help families facing unimaginable challenges, covering medical bills, funeral expenses for children, and housing during times of crisis. Their giving may not make headlines, but it has changed countless lives.

Cindy’s story is a beautiful reminder of both the fragility and strength of life. Born at just 2.6 pounds, she spent her first two months in a neonatal intensive care unit—an experience that shaped her lifelong compassion for others. Brendan, by contrast, made a bold entrance at 14 pounds. Though their beginnings were quite different, both were raised in the church, and faith has remained a guiding force throughout their lives.

Cindy went on to serve for many years as a Med-Surg nurse, caring for patients with deep empathy and love. Yet, she always knew her calling was to be a mother. That deep sense of purpose has made her keenly aware of how often women, especially mothers, put their own health on hold to care for their loved ones. 

In rural communities like Gulf and Franklin Counties, where something as routine as a mammogram can mean a long trip to Panama City, those sacrifices become even greater. A 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that more than one-third of women are behind on essential health appointments such as mammograms, gynecological visits, and physicals—reminding us how real these barriers continue to be. Knowing this, the Murphy family was moved to act.

With their generous gift—the largest in their Foundation’s history—the Murphys helped bring to life the Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide women access to life-saving imaging and expert care, close to home. The center offers mammograms, biopsies, bone density scans, ultrasounds, and more—all in one place, delivered with compassion and expertise.

Brendan now serves as Chair of the Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Advisory Committee, continuing his family’s commitment to helping people and strengthening the health of the community they love.

For the Murphys, giving isn’t an act of charity—it’s a purpose, a way to share the blessings they’ve received with others. They believe that everyone can contribute in their own unique way—whether through time, talent, or treasure. Their hope is that their story will inspire others to do the same: to give from the heart, to support the causes that matter most to them, and to know that every act of generosity—big or small—has the power to make a meaningful impact. They also hope that Sacred Heart Gulf will continue to grow, expanding its ability to serve the community for years to come.

Thanks to “two little kids from Queens,” women across Gulf and Franklin Counties have been blessed with hope and access to essential preventative care close to home.