FAITH provides support to youth fighting cancer

Anthony Gardner / Submitted photo

After winning the battle against cancer at a young age, a Kinston teen has created a foundation to help others who are in the same position.

Anthony Ray Gardner Jr. was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during December 2013, while he was still a student at North Lenoir High School. Though he was declared cancer-free in April 2014, the experience of going through treatment left an impression and he was inspired to create the FAITH (Forward Achievement in Their Honor) Organization Inc.

Gardner said he deeply appreciated those who rallied around him when he was undergoing treatments.

“I wanted to ... have an opportunity to do the same thing that was given to me when I was going through that,” he said.

The FAITH Organization helps provide outreach to teens and young adults who are suffering from cancer, providing them encouragement, as well as help with medicines and hospital visits, according to Gardner and the organization’s website.

The organization also provides the Dorothy Mae Sutton scholarship, named in honor of Gardner’s grandmother who died of cancer in 2016. It’s awarded to prospective and current students who have been diagnosed with cancer, to give them opportunities beyond their diagnosis.

Funding for the organization comes entirely from the community, and Gardner says he is excited for an upcoming opportunity for those who wish to provide their support. On Jan. 28, Chick-fil-A in Kinston will be hosting a Spirit night in support of the FAITH Organization from 5-8 p.m. Gardner and the foundation’s board of directors will be on hand to provide information about the organization to those who come out for the event.

If you want to support the FAITH Organization, all you have to do is mention their name when you eat at Chick-fil-A that night. For further information about the organization, visit its website at www.faithorgnc.org.