On Saturday, October 5th, family, friends, and supporters gathered at the Snake Mountain TrailHead for the Rita Skertich Memorial Run, a heartfelt event organized to honor the memory of Rita Skertich, and to raise vital awareness for brain aneurysm research. Rita’s story is deeply personal and serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for research and awareness, particularly for the most at-risk populations.
Rita Skertich suffered from an unruptured brain aneurysm at a time when treatment options were limited, and awareness about brain aneurysms was not as widespread as it is today. While Rita passed before advancements in treatment were available, her legacy continues through the work of her granddaughter, Elizabeth Ratta. Elizabeth, herself a brain aneurysm survivor, has dedicated her life to raising awareness and funding research, particularly on the racial and gender disparities in brain aneurysm treatment and outcomes.
As part of The Bee Foundation’s ongoing efforts, Elizabeth is leading the charge in advocating for increased research and education in disproportionately affected populations. Statistics show that Black and Hispanic individuals are twice as likely to experience ruptured brain aneurysms compared to Caucasians, and women are 1.5 times more likely than men to face a rupture. This significant gap in healthcare outcomes is what inspired Elizabeth to work tirelessly to improve prevention and treatment options through The Bee Foundation and the newly established Rita Skertich Research Grant.
The Rita Skertich Research Grant, named in honor of her grandmother, is focused on funding research initiatives that explore prevention and treatment options in Black and Hispanic communities and for women—populations who face the highest risk. By bridging this gap in research, Elizabeth hopes to drive significant change in healthcare systems and improve outcomes for future generations.
A Day of Reflection, Support, and Action
The memorial event took place on a beautiful Saturday morning. Attendees arrived at the Snake Mountain TrailHead to enjoy a scenic hike while reflecting on the legacy of Rita and others who have suffered from brain aneurysms. Participants, all wearing commemorative t-shirts, came together not only to honor Rita’s memory but also to raise funds for The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention and the Rita Skertich Brain Aneurysm Fund at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
In the words of Elizabeth herself: “This year, the Bee Foundation had races across the country, and we are the first ones to do a hike. There was something really special about doing a hike together. Including myself, there were four survivors present. There was time and space for each survivor to share their story during the hike and bond. One survivor has had two different aneurysms decades apart and recently had a pacemaker put in. She was determined to make it to the top, and I cried when she made it. Climbing a mountain is such a metaphor for overcoming the battles we all endure every day, and the view from the top of Snake Mountain was breathtaking. We all took a shot of sparkling apple cider at the top to honor all brain aneurysm survivors and I had time to speak about my beloved grandma, Rita, and about Jenny for whom the Bee Foundation was founded.”
Looking to the Future
Elizabeth’s dedication to this cause, inspired by her own survival and her grandmother’s memory, has resulted in ongoing efforts to raise funds and awareness for brain aneurysm research. Her goal is not only to keep her grandmother’s legacy alive but also to push for better treatment options and earlier detection, especially for women and communities of color.
The funds raised from the memorial event will go directly to supporting critical research initiatives at the University of Vermont Medical Center, specifically targeting the racial and gender disparities that exist in brain aneurysm care.
Thank You for Your Support
The Bee Foundation would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the memorial run, donated to the cause, and supported this event. Together, we are working toward a future where fewer families have to endure the devastating loss of a loved one due to brain aneurysms. Your support is instrumental in driving research and awareness, and we encourage you to continue the fight for brain aneurysm prevention and advocacy in your communities.
As Elizabeth so powerfully reminds us: “We can’t change the past, but we can change the future by focusing on awareness, prevention, and research.” Let’s continue working together in Rita’s memory, and for all those affected by brain aneurysms, as we move closer to a world where we can prevent these tragedies from happening.
Thank you once again to everyone who made this event possible. If you were unable to attend but would like to support The Bee Foundation and the Rita Skertich Brain Aneurysm Fund, please visit our website for more details on how you can make a difference.
