Champions of Philanthropy: Tina Nickell, Andrew Neading and Anthony Zalewski

For Tina Nickell, Andrew Neading and Anthony Zalewski, the annual Resiliency Run has never been just a race. It's a celebration of survival. A reunion of patients, families, caregivers and first responders. A reminder that healing continues long after a patient leaves the hospital. And over the past two years, it has become one of MetroHealth's most successful philanthropic events.

For their leadership and commitment to growing the Resiliency Run while staying true to its mission, Tina, Andrew and Anthony have been named Champions of Philanthropy by the Office of Strategic Philanthropy. The recognition honors MetroHealth colleagues who go above and beyond to advance MetroHealth's mission through advocacy, engagement and philanthropy.

What began as an idea between Tina Nickell, MPH, BSN, RN, CCRN, Director of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Programs, and colleague Mary Barnes more than a decade ago has evolved into a signature community event supporting MetroHealth’s Burn and Trauma Care Center survivor programming.

"We kind of had an idea that it would be fun if we had some sort of trauma event," Tina recalled. "We put together an initial planning committee in late 2015 and early 2016 and then held the first event in 2017. I've been lucky to have been here from the start."

Today, the Resiliency Run attracts more than 1,200 participants annually and has become an important source of support for survivor programming. The event drew 1,137 participants in 2025 and 1,258 participants in 2026, while fundraising topped six figures this year thanks to expanded sponsorships and strong community engagement.

But despite the growth, organizers say the heart of the event remains unchanged.

"I feel like the event has just grown in numbers," Tina said. "The heart behind the event has really stayed the same and just been magnified because our numbers have expanded."

For Andrew Neading, BSN, RN, CBRN, Burn Program Manager, the magic of the Resiliency Run cannot be measured by participation totals alone. He first participated as a runner pushing his kids in strollers before taking on a leadership role,

"I always talk about how magical the event feels that morning," he said. "Everyone is just so happy and smiling. It's a way for us to celebrate our community of survivors, caregivers, first responders and families. You can almost feel it in the air."

His leadership has not gone unnoticed. During this year's 10th anniversary celebration, fellow organizers surprised Andrew with the Resiliency Run's Caregiver Award, recognizing his role as what Tina calls the "glue" that holds the event together, along with the help of the Resiliency Run Committee.

"Andrew really has been the leader of taking this event to the next step," Tina said. "We wanted to honor him because he has been instrumental in helping the event become what it is today."

Anthony Zalewski, RN, BSN, MHA, Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, joined MetroHealth's Trauma Division in 2023 and quickly became an integral member of the Resiliency Run team. He credits the event with showing him the unique culture of MetroHealth from the moment he arrived.

"My favorite memory is the first event I attended," Anthony said. "I thought I was going to a race, but it was so much more. Everybody was hugging and laughing and reconnecting. It really showed me what MetroHealth and the Trauma team are all about."

The trio also credits a strong partnership with MetroHealth's Office of Strategic Philanthropy for helping the event reach new heights. They work alongside Abbie Sender, Philanthropy Officer, and Greg Sanders, Vice President of Philanthropy.

"The MetroHealth Foundation gave us exposure to new networks that we wouldn't have had before," Tina said. "But the most important part is that they understood the heart behind the event and were able to grow it without changing what it means."

The collaboration helped introduce the Resiliency Run to new sponsors, donors and community partners while creating opportunities for more people to engage with MetroHealth's mission.

"You're more than just somebody whose name is on a banner," Anthony said of event sponsors. "You're part of that network of support for survivors and families."

That support extends far beyond race day.

Funds raised through the Resiliency Run help advance programming that supports burn and trauma patients as they navigate recovery. Organizers are also exploring opportunities to create healing outdoor spaces on MetroHealth's Main Campus where patients, families and survivors can gather, reflect and reconnect.

"Saving lives is only the beginning," Tina said. "The Resiliency Run showcases everything that comes afterward. It celebrates the hard work, grit and determination of patients and families who overcome incredible challenges."

Those stories are what continue to inspire the team's commitment.

Each year, participants include patients whose lives were forever changed by traumatic injuries, many of whom return to walk or run alongside the caregivers who once treated them.

"We see patients come back who we never thought would survive," Tina said. "Then they're crossing a finish line with their families. Those moments remind us why we do this."

For all three, being named Champions of Philanthropy is meaningful not because of personal recognition, but because it shines a spotlight on an event they believe represents the best of MetroHealth.

"The Resiliency Run reflects the very best of MetroHealth," said Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, President and CEO of MetroHealth. "Our leaders participate because they believe in the event's mission and the powerful connections it creates among survivors, families and caregivers. Tina, Andrew and Anthony have helped make that impact possible, and I congratulate them on being named Champions of Philanthropy."

"The recognition is truly an honor," Tina said. "But we're really just doing what we believe in. It's why we come to work every day."

Andrew agrees.

"We have an incredible community of caregivers and survivors here," he said. "The Resiliency Run allows us to celebrate that community and create opportunities to support patients long after they leave the hospital."

Together, Tina, Andrew and Anthony have helped transform a local race into a powerful demonstration of MetroHealth's mission, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate recovery, resilience and hope. Through their leadership, generosity and dedication, they exemplify what it means to be Champions of Philanthropy.

For more information, please contact Abbie Sender, Philanthropy Officer, at 440-592-1390 or asender1@metrohealth.org.