A random event sparked a moment of artistic reflection which was relayed to a man who then had a great idea and wouldn’t take no for an answer and so it happened that the Run Again Project Came to Life. I Will Run Again, a song and poem piece, is at the center of the project which is about hope, perseverance .  .  . listen for yourself after the jump.

The video below premiered at the Pierce Middle School last Wednesday. Brian Kelley who can be a gentle force of nature, encouraged his sister Kathy Ready to write the piece and worked with her to produce it.

Marathoner Lucas Carr joined Mr. Kelley and Ms. Ready at the premier. Mr. Carr, a veteran of the Army Rangers, will be pushing Matt Brown who was paralyzed in a tragic hockey accident. The two have partnered as a fundraising team that supports a number of causes. Learn more here. Mr. Carr and Mr. Brown exemplify the spirit of Ms. Ready’s piece. Their motto is “Never quit” not too dissimilar from the marathoner who told Ms. Ready “I will run again.”

After watching the video the audience joined with members of the Pierce chorus in singing the song. You can learn more about the project, download a version of the song, and read letters from students sent into the project here.

When asked why this mattered this is what Mr. Kelley and Ms. Ready had to say:

“This was important to do because I wanted more people to experience the emotion I felt when I first heard the song.  The message holds the victims in your heart and gives hope for the future.  The tune is catchy too.  Just like peanut butter getting stuck to the roof of your mouth. This tune gets stuck in your head and you will find yourself singing it often.  Two great works of art in one, the poetry brings your focus to the victims and the chorus lifts you out of that sadness with joy.”

– Brian Kelley

“This project was important to do because the Marathon is so much more than a race for a medal. It is about perseverance, helping others, and challenging your limits. This year it is also about the victims and our freedom. What we do in difficult times is what defines us. Teaching the children how to “run again” is a valuable lesson.  The words in the song say it all. We rise above on the wings of love.”

– Kathy Ready