About Kyomi’s Gift
Who is Kyomi?
On September 10, 2004, a miracle found its way to us and an angel touched our lives.
Kyomi Linai Culpepper was born with a head covered in long silken locks and with gentle curly eyelashes so long they seemed to wave to you when she blinked and looked up at you. It was the first time in her parents’ lives that they truly and whole-heartedly felt bliss.
The moment was short lived when Kyomi was placed in a phototherapy unit due to bilirubin levels in her blood. Still optimistic and overjoyed, her mom and dad made preparations for her homecoming. Kyomi was showered with gifts.
But on the day of discharge, a final blood test revealed an abnormality with her kidneys.
For four months, Kyomi and her family endured a roller coaster of hope and heartbreak. Time after time, she defied doctors’ predictions and gave her family new reasons to believe — until she finally succumbed to multiple organ system failure, sepsis, and kidney failure.
She valiantly clung to life until the doctors informed her family that continuing treatment would only bring her pain. On January 7, 2005, surrounded by love, Kyomi’s parents held her as she slipped peacefully away.
Though her life was short, Kyomi filled everyone blessed to know her with strength, faith, and hope. Her family carries her in their hearts, dreams, and prayers forever. It is in her memory, and with her spirit, that they set out on a mission to help other families in distress.
The Murphy Family & Our Board
Kyomi’s Gift is lovingly led by the Murphy family — Kyomi’s relatives — who transformed their grief into purpose. What began as a family’s tribute to one child has grown into a small but mighty nonprofit dedicated to helping others through the hardest moments of their lives.
The Murphys, along with a volunteer Board of Directors, guide the organization’s mission with compassion, transparency, and community pride. Each member brings a personal commitment to carrying forward Kyomi’s light — ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire hope and healing in families across Barry County and beyond.
Meet the Team
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Meghann Murphy
PRESIDENT/SECRETARY
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Shana Bush
CHAIRMAN
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Michael Murphy
CO-TREASURER
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Sue Murphy
CO-TREASURER
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Katie Hawthorne
BOARD MEMBER
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Jamie Murphy
BOARD MEMBER
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Chad Murphy
BOARD MEMBER
Our Partnership with the Barry Community Foundation
Kyomi’s Gift operates as a fund under the Barry Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local families and causes thrive through stewardship, accountability, and generosity.
This partnership allows Kyomi’s Gift to focus on what matters most — directly helping families in need — while the Foundation provides trusted financial management, tax-exempt status, and community connections.
Together, we ensure that every dollar given in Kyomi’s name goes exactly where it’s needed most: to bring comfort, relief, and hope to families caring for children with extraordinary medical needs.
Join Us in Continuing Kyomi’s Legacy
Kyomi showed us what strength, love, and hope look like — even in the smallest of lives. Through Kyomi’s Gift, we honor her by helping families who are fighting their own battles today.
Your support helps us provide comfort, relief, and community to those who need it most.
Together, we carry her light forward.