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Parents honoring memory of son with run in Whitestown

WHITESTOWN (WISH) — A Zionsville family is honoring the memory of a loved one on the two year anniversary of his death.

23-year-old Justin Langford was killed in a car accident while on a business trip out of state in Arizona.

“He touched so many lives and the stories we still receive today, he’s still touching lives,” said Justin’s father Bryan Langford.

His parents are now planning a four mile run and walk event to celebrate his life on Saturday at New Hope Christian Church in Whitestown.

Janice and Bryan Langford sat in the sanctuary of the church Wednesday evening looking back on the past two years.

The couple said they relied on their faith to cope with the loss of their oldest son.

“We strive to just allow God to work in our lives and to bring hope from the tragedy that we experienced,” said Bryan Langford.

Justin died in an accident while testing a truck in Flagstaff, Arizona. The Vanderbilt graduate was working for Allison Transmission as a mechanical engineer.

“I’m doing better today than I was two years ago but you know I still have bad days,” said Janice Langford.  “Mother’s Day was not my favorite holiday, but we’re doing it together.”

Despite the pain, Janice and her husband said they know the tragic death of their son gave others a second chance at life.

Justin was an organ donor. His parents said his decision helped to save the lives of 25 people, including a 4-year-old boy and a man from Arizona.

“When I was there and met Fernando, his heart recipient and heard Justin’s heartbeat, I mean, I don’t want to say healing, that’s not the word, it was emotional,” she said.

Janice and her husband are now taking it day-by-day. They have been planning “Justin’s Run 4 Hope.” The annual event will take place in the parking lot of their church with the goal to inspire hope in our every day of life.

“We look for Saturday to be an incredible, inspiring day to touch people’s hearts,” said Bryan. “As long as that fuel is there, it’s making a difference. People can rally behind that and we’ll continue.”

Money raised from the event will go towards a memorial and scholarship fund for students pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The run starts Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in Whitestown. Click here if you would like to register for the race.