Run4Jose

Our First Annual Run4Jose will take place on Saturday, November 16th 2019 at Catawba Meadows in Morganton, NC. Run4Jose is a memorial event with a 1 mile fun run, 5k, and 10k in honor of José Elias Sic who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, on the eve of his 17th birthday, November 16th 2018.  Jose passed from a previously unknown genetic condition which caused a thoracic aortic dissection.  His condition is very unusual and little is known about this condition.  Medical and genetic research is ongoing. 

Born in Morganton, NC on November 17th 2001, he was the beloved son of Hector Sic and Juliana Pedro Bernabe.  He adored his two younger sisters, Maria and Ana.  José was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where he participated in the youth ministry program, was an altar server, volunteered at the Burke United Christian Ministries (BUCM) Soup Kitchen and volunteered each summer for the Catholic Heartwork Camp.  At Freedom HS he was a three sport athlete in cross country, soccer and swimming. He was an A/B honor roll student and did additional course work at Western Piedmont Community College.  Jose had aspirations of becoming an architectural engineer.  Outside of school, Jose also played soccer for Catawba Valley Youth Soccer Association (CVYSA) and Burke Blast.  He was a member of the Morganton Swim Club (MSC) for many years.  Before high school, Jose participated in track at Walter Johnson Middle School and Boy Scouts.

Jose was a friend to all regardless of age, skin color, disability, appearance or popularity. He was vocal about the importance of equality for all people.  His hero was soccer legend Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona).  Jose had an unrivaled work ethic.

Please join us in remembering Jose through the memorial Run4Jose event. Money raised will cover race costs and fund the Jose “JE” Elias Sic Memorial Scholarship Fund.  A $1000 educational scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior. (More information coming soon.)  In addition, food donations will be accepted at the race and taken to Burke United Christian Ministries Soup Kitchen.