TBF Ambassador and Brain Aneurysm Survivor Elizabeth Ratta, has been dedicated to brain aneurysm prevention by hosting the Rita Skertich Race for the past five years to honor her grandmother Rita Skertich, who had an unruptured brain aneurysm.
Elizabeth's fundraising efforts are in support of the The Rita Skertich Health Equity Research Grant and the Rita Skertich Fund for Brain Aneurysm Survivors at UVM Medical Center. Elizabeth Ratta is passionate about spreading brain aneurysm awareness particularly in the populations they disproportionately affect those who are Black, Hispanic and women. This research grant and patient fund is named for Elizabeth's grandma, Rita who had an unruptured brain aneurysm, but at a time when there was limited treatment and support.
The research grant will support the Black and Hispanic population and women in an effort to improve outcomes, accessibility, and a greater understanding of the discrepencies in their statistics - those in the Black and Hispanic population are twice as likely to have a brain aneurysm rupture compared to caucasion and women are 1.5 times more likely than men to have a brain aneursym rupture.
The patient support fund at UVM helps cover the financial burden associated with treating a bran aneurysm. To date we have supported 7 families and distrubted $3,500 in financial assistance.
Hike Details!
Hike Start: 10 AM
Location: Mt Philo State Park
*Registration cost includes entry fee into the state park for participants.
This race has Virtual, Adult & Child registration options!
Check out last years race recap!