Topics:
music

Miki Calderon, R.N., and Dan Drzymalski, M.D., both studied music before finding their path in medicine. They are passionate about incorporating music in their lives as a form of expression, a way to heal, and a way to connect with patients. “Forward, Together” was written as an inspiration for the global community, all of whom have been affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the last several months, vaccines have become widely available, and our world has slowly gone back to a new normal. As we all recover from this pandemic, our hope is that this music brings listeners peace and encouragement to move forward, together.

Verse 1: You fear

Something you don’t understand.

An invisible killer

That halted our world.

I’m armed

With my mask and gloves.

Into the fight

We charge.

Chorus:

May we find a flicker of light in the darkest of nights.

May we find the strength to lend a hand.

May we find a fire within to fuel our purpose.

We must move forward, together.

Verse 2:

Alone.

There’s someone that’s alone right now.

A hospital room,

No family, no friends.

I’m here.

You may not see me.

I never left.

I’ll keep holding the line.

Chorus:

May we find a flicker of light in the darkest of nights.

May we find the strength to lend a hand.

May we find a fire within to fuel our purpose.

We must move forward, together.

Bridge:

Let me help you to breathe,

When your own breath fails you.

Let me hold your hand,

When no one else is there.

Let me take your pain.

Let me protect you.

You won’t remember,

But I was always there.

Chorus:

May we find a flicker of light in the darkest of nights.

May we find the strength to lend a hand.

May we find a fire within to fuel our purpose.

We must move forward, together.

Outro:

We must move forward,

We must move forward.

We must move forward, together.

Sheet Music

Title: “Forward, Together”

Composers: Miki Calderon, R.N., Dan Drzymalski, M.D.

Link: http://links.lww.com/ALN/C685

Music Video

Title: “Forward, Together”

Performers: Miki Calderon, R.N., Dan Drzymalski, M.D.

Link: http://links.lww.com/ALN/C687

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Erik S. Calderon, Houston, Texas, for video editing support.

Competing Interests

Dr. Drzymalski reports being a speaker for Fresenius Kabi (Lake Zurich, Illinois). The other author declares no competing interests.

Permission to reprint granted to the American Society of Anesthesiologists by copyright author/owner.
2021