By Carol McCracken (Post # 890)

Almost 400 – 395 to be exact – ran/walked to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this morning. The race that began and ended on Cutter Street on the Hill was dedicated to the memory of Aaron T. Sterling, who died last month at 30 years old, of the genetic disease.

Kim Anania started the event last year in honor of her best friend, Liz Shuman, 35, who continues to live an active life with cystic fibrosis. Shuman said today that because of the medications that are now available, she is alive unlike some of her relatives who have gone before her. The funds raised today will go toward purchasing medications for those in need of it in Maine.

The name of the race, 65 Roses 5K Race, is derived from the fact that cystic fibrosis is often hard for chidren to say and it to some it sounds like 65 Roses.

In todays race/walk, were former Hill residents, Mary Didonato Cummings and her family – husband and daughter, Tina. Winning first place in the 70 + women’s category was Polly Kenniston, who is preparing for the New York City Marathon. She’s almost 75 years old! (See above right photo.)

Anani owns her own Human Resouces Consulting business. For more information, please see www.kmaconsultingllc.com