By Scott Cole

"Cystic fibrosis" are two of the scariest words a parent can ever hear. This genetic disease affects mostly children. It is a progressive disease that slowly limits the ability to breathe over time and helps to make the infirmed more susceptible to lung infections.

A patient with cystic fibrosis develops a thick, sticky buildup of mucus in the lungs, because of the genetic abnormality. The airways become clogged, trapping bacteria, causing lung infections and eventually leading to lung failure. As of right now, there is no cure, although there are some treatments available.

One local community is doing its part to find a cure. Shady Grove UMC, a church outside of Kinston on the Jones County line on Middle Road, is hosting its fourth annual Race of Faith, a 5K run and 1-mile fun run on Sept. 8. The race is held in honor of Robby Daughety.

“It’s our fourth year doing it. We’re raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,” race director John Williams said. “We had a church member who had it. Some years ago, Channel 12 in New Bern used to have a telethon and then had to stop doing it. We decided to pick it up at our church and help him out in some way."

Every year, there have been more than 100 participants, but race organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year. In three years, the Race of Faith has raised more than $70,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

“We really hope to eclipse the $100,000 mark this year," Williams said. "A lot of it comes from the racers, but we also get funds through sponsorships and donations from businesses and church members."

The course is certified by U.S. Track and Field, which means if someone is training to enter a national race, they can use this race to qualify.

This year, the race committee has also added a 5K relay race called Robby's Race. This relay is open to relay teams from area churches. Every relay racer runs for 1 kilometer.

Trophy presentations are held for the relay race team at the end. Trophies will also be given out for the 5K winners, broken down by different age groups.

This year, the Race of Faith has tried to add some things in an attempt try to grow it a little bit.

“Some people come to watch, but don’t run," Williams said. "It’s great to support the runners, but we also wanted to give them something they can take part of too."

Among the additions to the 2018 race are local food vendors: Snow Angels Shaved Ice, a Kinston snow cone company and 3 Kings Food Truck from New Bern are scheduled while organizers are planning to add other vendors.

The Jones County Sheriff's Office will be present for traffic control and safety while local fire and EMS volunteers will support the event with their presence.

Registration for the September 8th race starts at 8 am and the race begins at 9 pm. If you cannot make the race, but still want to contribute, click on the link below and make a donation to fight cystic fibrosis.

http://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/11_Carolinas_Raleigh?px=2710046&pg=personal&fr_id=6594