In October 2005, Annie Sharich spent a week in the hospital after brain surgery. Three weeks later, she was leaving the house with friends, and just eight months later, she was running the 2006 Salt Lake City Marathon.
Sharich, a junior in sociology and criminology, began to experience major headaches, fatigue and blurred vision in the beginning of 2005. She was soon diagnosed with Chiari malformation, a condition with which the brain is too large for the skull.
She underwent surgery last fall to remove part of her skull to provide more room for her brain, and just weeks after surgery, Sharich accepted a challenge made by her co-workers.
She entered a contest held by Channel 2 News in which the winners were provided free personal trainers to prepare to run the Salt Lake City Marathon. She felt it would be a good way to celebrate life and prove to family and friends that she was healthy.
“I’m just grateful for a body that finally works,” she said.
Sharich’s progress was featured on KUTV’s newscast every Thursday morning throughout her preparation. Finally, after months of dedicated training, with a time of four hours, 42 minutes, Sharich crossed the finish line in tears while honoring Chiari patients and her sister, Jessica Sharich.
Overcoming such struggles has become just another part of life for Sharich. Fewer than six years ago, Sharich’s older sister, Jessica, died of cancer. Sharich was close to her sister, and her death was not easy for her to accept. Rather than allowing the experience to plague her life, she decided to make the best of all that she could.
She soon dedicated herself to finding ways to live life to the fullest and doing things that made her happy.
Sharich has a passion for traveling which, along with her dedication to helping people, led her to Africa in the summer of 2004. Once there, she spent three weeks volunteering to help kids suffering from AIDS in an orphanage.
“Raising the money to go was well worth it. It was the best experience ever,” she said. “People had nothing, but were the happiest people I’ve ever met.”
Sharich said that, even after all her struggles, she is not ready to settle down. “The marathon was amazing,” she said. “I’m really excited for the next one.” Sharich also has plans to someday lead a non-profit organization to benefit the lives of as many people as possible.
People who know her say, “she never stops.” Sara Talbot, Sharich’s former roommate, said, “She’s on her way to accomplishing great things.”
Lisa TeranAfter once suffering from blurred vision and partial paralysis, Annie Sharich now looks forward to each race she runs in. Sharich participated in The Deseret Morning News’ 24th of July 10K race.