Inspired by her experiences as a young child working with her family providing food and shelter to orphans in the Philippines, Itanna set out to work with children and families in both urban and rural underserved communities.

Before becoming a MEDEX student Itanna spent much of her time serving as a volunteer in underserved clinics throughout Oregon and as a volunteer on medial missions to Ecuador. As a MEDEX student she was always among the first to sign up to participate in community service events.

In keeping with her personal mission to go where the need is greatest Itanna and her husband Yosafe Murphy, a respiratory therapist, twice volunteered with the Love For Haiti mission to provide basic health care to families effected by the devastating January 12th earthquake in Port-au-Prince. Itanna is preparing for a third trip to Haiti in early May and has inspired other members of MEDEX class 38. Along with members of the Love For Haiti team, both Mariana Cooper and Dan Hahn will be involved.

The Tacoma News Tribune told Itanna's story in the March 28th addition of the paper and the Love For Haiti website features Itanna and Yosafe's journey.

Itanna continues to be an inspiration to all of us!

"Her actions make me proud to have been one of her teachers."
Henry Stoll, PA-C, MEDEX Senior Faculty

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