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SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of people, mostly members of the Joseph Smith, Sr. family, are preparing to gather for a special 5K race on Saturday. Money is being raised to pay tribute to a doctor who, 200 years ago, saved Joseph Smith, Jr.'s life.

They call this race Joseph's Miracle Run.

In 1813, at age 8, Joseph Smith, Jr. — who founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — underwent experimental surgery in his home to remove infected bone from his left leg.

Smith's doctor, Nathan Smith, founded Dartmouth Medical School and co-founded Yale Medical School. Ten years ago, Nathaniel White was born at the Yale hospital. Surgeons used a new technique to save his life.

"Nathan Smith saved...my life," said White. "Joseph Smith's injury was in his leg and my injury was my jaw."

Race day information Saturday, Aug. 3

This Is The Place Heritage Park (At The Garden Place) 2601 E Sunnyside Ave, SLC 5K Registration/Check In: (If you have not already picked up your packet) 6am-6:30am 5K Start Time: 7am Children's Run Registration/Check In: 6am-7:45am Children's Run Start Time: 8:15am More information: josephsmiracl erun.com

Nathaniel was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, which causes joint contractures and muscle atrophy. He needed a ventilator, then a trachea tube when he was born. Surgery to lower his jaw followed.

Ruth White, Nathaniel's mother, wanted to support the doctor whose innovations paved the way for her son's surgery. "I wanted to overcome my personal weakness and be able to run in the race as a way to give back to Dr. Smith, whose work lived on in my son."

The Whites are members of the Joseph Smith Sr. Family foundation who gather every two years for a reunion and service project. This year they will create a scholarship to Dartmouth Medical School in honor of Dr. Nathan Smith.

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