William

What started out as a symbol and handmade gift by a blacksmith in the family years before this journey began now stands for something much more profound.

William Murtagh (aka Iron Heart) is an incredible eight year old hero and warrior. Youngest child to Andrew and Naomi, and siblings to older brother Brian and older sisters Natasha and Elise, William loves his family, his dogs Jill and Sophie, Lego, and hockey. He plays for the Indianapolis Junior Fuel.

William, meaning "strong-willed warrior" and "resolute protector" — his resilience has proved an exemplar of his name's meaning. Within 48 hours, he had to say goodbye to his dog Jack (who had to be put down due to cancer) and was then diagnosed with medulloblastoma in early 2025. What followed was an incredible journey of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy through most of the year.

His response to this exceptional adversity has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. His smile and laughter have never ceased, his poise and strength are well beyond his years, and his father has chronicled countless stories of William's bravery and positivity on LinkedIn.

When William’s mother said “I would give anything to take this from you," he replied “I wouldn’t let you Mom.” Before his brain surgery, he calmly colored a picture of a heart and cut it into six pieces for each member of his family. After radiation therapy sessions, he’d regularly take 3 mile bike rides with Mom. During chemotherapy, he’d ask dad to play hockey on the hospital floor. And always playful and positive with his care team, he's left an incredible mark on all that witnessed.

William has given us a glimpse of what is possible and the Iron Heart symbol serves as a beacon of hope and strength for us. Because William and other medulloblastoma warriors fight with Iron Hearts, we too fight for them.

Andrew, William’s father