‘A Sharp Race’ picks up speed in third year

The bond between aneurysm survivor Anita Sharp and Nebraska Medicine nurse Sarina McNeel has only strengthened in the last three years.

When they first met, Sharp was critically ill after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm. McNeel, a lead nurse in the Neurosurgery ICU (NSICU), was on duty many of the 29 nights Sharp was a patient here. Against horrible odds, Sharp not only survived, she recovered. As she did, the families of McNeel and Sharp felt a calling to do more to raise awareness and money for the support of brain aneurysm patients.

That’s how “A Sharp Race” began. Now in its third year, the event is a chance for everyone at the med center to show support for the Sharp family and the efforts of the NSICU and the neurosurgery staff to help make a difference across the region.

Neurologists Daniel Surdell, M.D., (left) and William Thorell, M.D., pose with a friend from a galaxy far, far away before last year’s event.

“We’ve had tremendous support from people across the organization before,” McNeel said. “This year, we wanted to put together an official med center team. We’re all on the same team at work, and we want to carry that togetherness on to the run and the walking course.”

UNMC and Nebraska Medicine colleagues can join the med center’s corporate team, “Team Med Center,” NSICU’s “Draining Brains & Taking Names” team, or 6 Neuro’s “6 Neuro Ganglia” team through the race’s sign up page.

Registration between now and Sept. 4 is $30. The price increases to $35 after that. Anyone registering by Sept. 13 will receive a race T-shirt. If you have questions about the event or if you’re interested in volunteering, contact McNeel.