Nursing students at Mid-Plains Community College are planning a benefit to help the children of a woman killed in a vehicle accident Nov. 26. Michelle Lynn Heisz, 34, of Stapleton had been riding in a minivan just north of North Platte when it crossed the center line and struck a semi.

Heisz’s daughter, Anjellycka Heisz, 3, and mother, Vicky Allen, of Stapleton, had been in theminivan with Michelle and were both critically injured. Michelle was mom to two other children in addition to Anjellycka: Jennifer and Christopher.

The MPCC chapters of the Nebraska State Student Nurses Association and the Licensed Practical Nurse Association of Nebraska have decided to host a benefit 5K run/walk for the kids.

“Our nursing students wanted to do something to give back to a local community member, and about the time they started discussing that, the crash happened,” said Nicole Kissinger nursing instructor. “The college is all about giving back, and as nurses, we’re also into health promotion. That’s where the idea for a 5K came from.”

The event is scheduled for March 14. Registration will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the north doors of NPCC’s Health and Science Center. A kids’ 1-mile race will begin at 9 a.m. for anyone 14 and younger. That will be followed by a 5K for ages 15 and older at 9:30 a.m.

The entry fee is $25 for children and adults, which includes a long-sleeved t-shirt, coffee bar and other refreshments. It’s a St. Patrick’s Day-themed event, so contestants are encouraged to wear green or a costume. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division.

The priority deadline to enter is March 1. Participants who sign up by then will be ensured a t-shirt on race day – everyone else may have to wait for a shirt. Registrations will be accepted until 8:30 a.m. the day of the race.

Registration forms are available from nursing students, in Room 105 of the Health and Science Center and online at http://www.mpcc.edu/post.cfm/benefit-run-planned-at-npcc.