When Kaylee McWherter learned the baby within her would be born with cystic fibrosis, she allowed herself just one day to grieve. That was it.

After that, she dedicated herself to learning all she could about the rare disease and preparing herself for her baby boy’s arrival and giving him the best chance of success in the world outside.

Today, eight years later, her son Jay is continuing to live with the disease, but that hasn’t stopped Kaylee from learning and for fighting for an ultimate cure for cystic fibrosis.

“It is so rare that there really isn’t the level of funding other diseases receive,” McWherter said. “We are just working to get as much as we can for research to finally cure this.”

For the second year, McWherter, along with friends and family have organized a fundraising event to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the leading organization aimed at cystic fibrosis research and research funding.

And, as with year one, the support is rolling in.

“Last year, we really didn’t know what to expect, but were overwhelmed with the response,” McWherter said, saying the first-year event raised $5,700. “As with this year’s event, every single dollar of that money was sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.”

This year, the nearly day-long event, scheduled for Thursday, will be held at White Force Coattage, 811 Mabry Street. It will feature a bake sale beginning at 8 a.m., which will include cakes, muffins, breads, pies and more.

At 11 a.m., residents can purchase a chicken salad plate for $8.50. The chicken salad is being made by Selma caterer Joyce Riley, who is donating both the chicken salad and the use of the White Force Cottage to the event.

“We can’t thank her enough for her help. A lot of people are looking forward to lunch, specifically because of Mrs. Joyce’s chicken salad,” McWherter said.

She said plates can be delivered for those businesses or groups ordering three or more plates.

This year’s event also features a silent auction, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Items, including a 39-inch LED TV, artwork from local artists, platter and bowl from Earthquake Pottery, a YMCA membership, Craftsman toolbox, tools, and so much more, will be on the auction block.

Winning bidders will be able to pick up their items immediately following the auction.

For more information, or to place lunch orders, call 412-8742 or 419-1056.