Local Artists Create Commemorative Flag for Children with Birth Defects

Community Voting for “Kona Inspired” Video Will Ensure Local Father Carries Flag across 

Ironman World Championship Finish Line in Kona, HI

(Houston, TX)  Local dad and Ironman triathlete Matthew Murphy is on a mission to save babies with birth defects all over the world. His nonprofit organization, Shawn’s Anomaly, is committed to providing hope, assistance and inspiration to families facing this challenge. And one special locally-crafted flag will help broadcast this message globally.

Matthew is competing in Ironman’s online “Kona Inspired” voting contest to further his mission. If he wins, Matthew will compete in the toughest one-day endurance in the world: Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI. His video tells the story of his own family’s struggle with son Shawn’s devastating journey to overcome rare birth defects. Shawn’s triumphant recovery led Matthew on a mission to transform from an overweight couch-potato smoker to a successful Ironman triathlete, and then to form his nonprofit organization dedicated to the cause.

With community voting support, Matthew will carry the H.O.P.E. (Helping Others; Provide Education) flag across the finish line, featuring the names of children born with various birth defects. If Matthew wins, he will have the opportunity to share Shawn’s Anomaly’s message of help and hope via the worldwide-televised coverage of the event.

In partnership with the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston (MOCAH) and under the direction of co-founder artist Rhonda Adams, director of MOCAH’s Art Angels Healing Arts & Volunteer Network, an art workshop on June 8 will produce the commemorative flag, crafted by community artists and family members of the children represented on the flag. The Art Angel’s mission is to use volunteerism and creative philanthropy to promote social wellness. This helps maintain the uniqueness of Matthew’s journey and will guarantee that the flag will be one of a kind.

Art workshop is on Saturday, June 8th, from 10am-12pm at M.O.C.A.H., 1700 Gregg Street, Houston, TX 77020. Media and parents of children with congenital anomalies are invited to attend.

As a contest finalist, Matthew’s video submission can be viewed at www.sendshawnsironmantokona.com . The community can help ensure Matthew reaches Kona and carries the flag by voting for “Shawn’s Ironman” video from June 17 – June 27 at the same website. Supporters can vote for the video once daily, via desktop and laptop computers and via all mobile devices. Every daily vote counts in the global competition.

• To see more about Matthew & Shawn’s Story watch video at: www.shawnsanomaly.org/shawns-story
• To see more information about the H.O.P.E. Flag and to see the current names on the flag, go to www.shawnsironman.com and click on “H.O.P.E Flag” at the top of the screen.