As March came to a close, we wrapped up one of our most inspiring initiatives yet—Minutes in March, a month-long movement challenge led by The Bee Foundation Ambassador Elizabeth Ratta. This grassroots fundraiser brought together survivors, families, caretakers, and supporters from across the country in support of brain aneurysm awareness and health equity research through the Rita Skertich Grant.
The idea was simple but powerful: dedicate minutes each day to movement or mindfulness—walking, yoga, reading, meditating—and gather pledges and donations to fund life-saving brain aneurysm research. The result? A month filled with heart, purpose, and community.
By the Numbers:
- 7 teams participated
- 17 individuals logged their minutes
- 9,481 minutes of activity were completed
- 42 donors contributed
- $3,295 raised through pledges
- $1,000 additional donation from Brendan Lupetin
- Total Raised: $4,295
What made this month even more remarkable? Five brain aneurysm survivors participated and completed 4,414 minutes—nearly half of the total minutes! As Elizabeth beautifully shared, that kind of progress is a testament to how far we’ve come thanks to research. Survivors who were once told not to lift a finger are now running marathons and moving their bodies with strength and purpose.
Special Recognition:
- Kirsten Edling was awarded for completing the most minutes (2,344) and raising the most funds ($445). Kirsten is a survivor whose resilience inspires us all—having undergone more than 30 MRIs, gamma knife radiation, and now living with a pacemaker.
- She received a beautiful wool bag donated by Johnson Woolen Mills, a Vermont-based company.
- Dr. Natália Vasconcellos, our first-ever Rita Skertich grant recipient, also formed a team with the Mayo Clinic and was recognized for her ongoing commitment to health equity in brain aneurysm research.
- She also received a Johnson Woolen Mills bag in appreciation of her efforts.
- And our general participant raffle winner was Leah Haile, who took home a luxurious blanket—also from Johnson Woolen Mills and famously featured in every room at Hotel Vermont.
Local Love:
This campaign also featured some incredible Vermont-based prize sponsors:
- Ursa Major (skincare)
- Skida (outdoor hats)
- V Smiley Preserves (local honey & jam)
- Johnson Woolen Mills (bags & blankets)
- Bridge Road Sugar Works (Maple Product)
Huge thanks to Elizabeth for organizing such a meaningful campaign and to everyone who logged their minutes, donated, or simply cheered us on.
We’re so proud of this community and the momentum we’re building together. If you’re feeling inspired to host your own fundraiser, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—or to Elizabeth herself!
Let’s keep moving, keep advocating, and keep funding research that saves lives.
