As people munch on waffles in the basement of First United Methodist Church, a blonde boy with “Captain Shade” emblazoned on his back runs around from table to table.

He’s laughing. This cheerful 2-year-old boy has no idea that he’s part of the reason people are eating waffles.

Shade Hall has cystic fibrosis.

“It’s hard because visually, there’s no indication there’s anything wrong,” said Michelle Hall, Shade’s mother. “Days like today help the public see what the boys go through.”

Hall’s other son, 5-year-old Alex, also suffers from cystic fibrosis. She said the waffle breakfast is one of two local fund-raisers for cystic fibrosis put on during the year.

The annual walk-a-thon “Great Strides” takes place on the first Sunday in May.

Hall said the waffle breakfast is in its fourth year, and is usually well-received by the Ames community.

“Lots of the community come out to support us and volunteer their time,” Hall said. “Lots of people on campus have been helping us out, too.”

Members of Delta Delta Delta sorority, 302 Ash Ave., and Theta Chi fraternity, 219 Ash Ave., helped by selling tickets before the event. Several faculty and staff members also volunteered their Saturday morning to serve waffles.

Jennifer Sikute, staff psychologist at Student Counseling Services, served waffles for the first time.

“It breaks my heart to hear the stories of what these kids go through,” she said. “I’ll do anything to help.”

The event raised $2,500, more than any of the previous years, Hall said. All but 10 percent of the proceeds will go toward cystic fibrosis. That percent will go to rescue efforts on the East Coast.

A large teddy bear wearing the respiratory machine the Hall boys use every day was on display along with a table with information on cystic fibrosis. Hall said the money is good, but the event is more about education than fund raising.

“A lot . [is] public awareness and giving people the opportunity to see the boys’ medical equipment,” she said. “[We want to] get the word out, give people the opportunity – the chance to ask questions.”

Hall said she hopes Iowa State will continue to help with the cystic fibrosis cause.

“There’s lots of camaraderie in the Iowa State community,” she said. “It’s been especially evident this past week, but it’s been a pattern.”