Mary Ellen Murphy

WGHN-FM (Grand Haven) Morning Host Mary Ellen Murphy has announced the launch of the station's "Coast Guard Barbie™" Campaign.  Murphy, opened up about her journey with Barbie Millicent Rogers™ (her real name) during her cancer treatment last year in a heartfelt conversation with WGHN’s Jesse Bruce.

“One day, I was leaving the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids, and for whatever reason, I stopped at a Goodwill and found a Barbie Beach House™,” said Murphy. “It took me back and gave me a break from my reality.”

In the following months, while fighting cancer, the radio personality immersed herself in the culture of the doll, which, while always popular, experienced a significant resurgence with the release of the 2023 blockbuster film.

“As I began gathering more Barbies™, I intended to give them to my granddaughters,” she said. “Barbie™ was a part of my childhood, and I wanted to share her spirit with the kids.”

During a trip where two more dolls became part of her collection, Mary Ellen came across a model of the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier, which is when it hit her.

“Why isn’t there a Coast Guard Barbie™?”

After some research, Mary Ellen learned Barbie™ indeed has dolls representing the other military branches, but she does not have one showcasing the United States Coast Guard.

The station is now soliciting listener support for creating a "Coast Guard Barbie™" on its website.  Listeners or anyone can cast a "yes" vote here.

Murphy’s says that ‘If any place can make this happen, it’s Grand Haven, Coast Guard City, USA!” Listen to the whole interview below: