A song and music video created by a group of Peterborough musicians and filmmakers was released today (September 1) in support of SickKids Foundation during Childhood Cancer Awareness month.
The song “Strong Heart” was written and performed by singer-songwriter Melissa Payne, in collaboration with musician Natalie MacMaster and producer James McKenty.
The accompanying music video was created and directed by filmmaker Megan Murphy and shot and edited by Rob Viscardis.
VIDEO: “Strong Heart” by Melissa Payne
SickKids Foundation will be promoting the song as part of its campaign for Childhood Cancer Awareness month, which begins September 1st. .
All proceeds from the song will be donated to SickKids Foundation.
“Melissa and I have a personal connection to the cause as both of our nieces have been receiving cancer treatment at SickKids this year,” says filmmaker Megan Murphy. “This is our way of giving back.”
The song is a tribute to all children fighting cancer, but particularly to three children who were disagnosed with cancer in the same year.
In November 2015, two months after his first birthday, Harrison McKinnon was diagnosed with lymphoma. In July 2016, three-year old Eliza Grace Vivian (Melissa’s niece) was diagnosed with leukemia. Just four days later, eight-year old Neave Alderson (Megan’s neice) was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma.
Eliza, Neave, and Harrison — who tragically lost his battle against cancer on June 17, 2017 at the age of two years and nine months — all appear in the video.
As well as vocals and guitar by Melissa Payne, “Strong Heart” also features Natalie MacMaster on fiddle, Jimmy Bowskill on viola, Rob Phillips on piano, and Evangeline Gentle on harmony vocal.
The goal of the campaign is to raise $5,000 for SickKids Foundation. To donate to the “Strong Heart” campaign, visit my.sickkidsdonations.com/StrongHeart.
For more information, you can also visit the Strong Hearts community page on Facebook.
