Build Back Better

Date: Friday, April 17 Jet Lag COSTCO Run

Time: 58:21

Distance: 5 miles kind of

Date: Monday, April 20, 2009

Time: 1:27:44

Distance: Loose Park Loopy Run

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Time: 41:19

Distance: 3.7 miles

Liu Ju went into labor February 26, 2009. While on her way to Anxian Maternal and Child Care Center, Liu gave birth to her daughter. Liu Ju was one of thousands of mothers who lost children in the devastating May 2008 earthquake in southwest China that took 69,000 lives. Liu's house was destroyed. The ambulance that transported Liu Ju and the medical equipment provided by UNICEF—such as infant incubators, pediatric examination tables, obstetric delivery beds and weight scales—has been crucial in guaranteeing the health of those women and their babies. Thousands of people have received a “second life” because of others more fortunate who care. Liu Ju came to my attention through UNICEF. One of the health workers shared the sentiments of many: "Our goal now is to build back better."

I was thinking of Liu Ju when I headed west on Truman Road in Independence, Missouri. I am now back home, just a few days from achieving my goal: finishing the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. I am doing what I call my Truman historic run around the core of Independence.

As I pass a row of recently renovated homes, I think of my friend, Ken McClain. Known to some as an obnoxious ass and to others as an altruistic angel, Ken has devoted his life to helping individuals and communities in large and small ways. Whether voluntarily coaching a community youth team on the field, fighting for the rights of consumers in the courtroom, preaching a social gospel to an anti-social congregation, or turning urban blight into quality community, Ken brings passion, energy, and vision to every aspect of life.

In his legal profession, Ken is a man of firsts: In 1986, he won the first asbestos property damage school lawsuit in nation. In 1997, the first tobacco lawsuit that was settled in the nation was his. In 2000, Ken argued successfully the first PCB building contamination verdict. Currently, his firm is pursuing lung disease cases across the country. When no one, and I do mean NO ONE, was willing to invest in the businesses around the Independence Square, he sunk millions of his own money into retail, restaurant, and entertainment places designed to bring people back to historic Independence. He lost money. He invested in the development anyway. Because he believes in community. He understands that poverty is created by neglect and abuse by the greedy. He “gets it” that when you change the culture, environment, and educational opportunities for the better, people change. The community changes. Our world changes. Each of us can make our world a better place to live. Liu Ju, Harry Truman, Ken McClain. Different stories, but the same goal: to build back better.

This story is coming to an end. Saturday will be the day of truth for me. I invite you to join me in running to end poverty one child, one family, one village at a time. Go to the Outreach website at http://www.outreach-international.org/. Click the DONATE button, then click the Make a general donation button. In the Other Information box, type “run4liferun4love” and your donation will be credited to our efforts. Do it now. For the sake of the children. Thanks.