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North Carolina teen dies days after being crowned homecoming queen following long battle with cystic fibrosis

Faith Shaw had been diagnosed with the genetic disease when she was just seven-month-old and had battled it her entire life before her death on November 13

HARRISBURG, NORTH CAROLINA: An 18-year-old student who had only recently been crowned homecoming queen tragically passed away this week after a life-long battle with cystic fibrosis.

Faith Shaw, a senior at the Hickory Ridge High School in Harrisburg, had been crowned homecoming queen on October 7 but saw her condition dramatically worsen over the coming weeks.

On Wednesday, November 13, she passed away, with her family confirming her death in an emotional Facebook post and stating that the teen was now 'Dancing With Jesus'.

"At approximately 3:30 this afternoon, surrounded by loved ones, Faith Mackenzie Shaw received her glorious new lungs, breathing in deeply the sweet aroma of Heaven, dancing freely hand in hand with Jesus," the family wrote. "She faced death as courageously and gracefully as she lived her life, and was at complete peace with letting go. She knew where she was going, was excited about her new home, and said she was really looking forward to the food!!!"

According to a GoFundMe page set up for Faith, she was first diagnosed with cystic fibrosis—a life-long genetic disease that affects the lungs and pancreas, and causes frequent lung infections and malnutrition—on Christmas Eve 2001, when she was just seven-months-old.

Following the news of her death, friends painted a rock in front of the school in her memory. Students and teachers wore purple—the cystic fibrosis colors—in her honor as well. A candlelight vigil has been scheduled at the school grounds on Friday, November 15, starting at 5 pm.

"Her presence was taken from us way too soon, but it is evident that her memory, spirit, and heart will live strong in all of us for years to come," her family said. 

The family also announced that, as per Faith's final request to keep her story going, one of her sisters would be publishing a Facebook page where everyone can share their stories, pictures, and memories with the 18-year-old.

Those who wish to contribute to the family can do so on the GoFundMe page where donors have already raised over $36,000.