A new, unexpected way to support JUST TRYAN IT! Play Crab Blast Looking to have fun while supporting JUST TRYAN IT this summer? JTI is excited to announce a new partnership with Meaningfull Games, founded by JTI-supporter Jon O’Donnell. Having grown up among his family’s own cancer hardships, Jon
The 10th Annual Chapel Hill Kids Triathlon was our best yet. 354 racers (we sold out), 196 volunteers and $200,486 to support JUST TRYAN IT! Thank you to all of the racers, volunteers and sponsors who made this race a success. We especially want to celebrate our STAR Supporters, those racers who raised
2024 Impact Report In 2024, JUST TRYAN IT proudly celebrated 15 years of racing for a reason—supporting families in our community facing the unimaginable: a child in cancer treatment. And this year, 2025, marks another special milestone: the 10th Anniversary of the Chapel Hill Kids Triathlon! Since our very first race, we've raised over $6.2 million to provide direct
$15,650 to support families fighting pediatric cancer. Frozen Feet 5K Run/Walk Thank You! We are deeply grateful to everyone who registered, donated, fundraised, walked, or ran to support families fighting cancer on Saturday. The Alexandria community's support was heartwarming! We raised over $15,000 to help families with a child in cancer treatment.
Thank you! $58,001 raised for families fighting cancer in the Doing Good Together campaign. Thanks to your support, we will help families struggling to pay their bills during their child’s cancer treatment. In 2025 JUST TRYAN IT will provide $341,250 to families with a child in cancer treatment at one of our
March, 2024 Dear Friends, A childhood cancer diagnosis has significant effects on a family’s financial health and prospects for the future. Balancing a child’s cancer treatment and work can cause work-family conflict impacting a parent’s career progression even after their child’s recovery from cancer. In our grant applications we see that almost every family
Julianne Freck spent her summer with families fighting cancer at the Lighthouse Family Retreat. Lighthouse offers restorative retreats to families with a child in cancer treatment. Julianne was a counselor there this summer.
KJ Mack was recognized during DPAC’s Local Hero Spotlight for the positive impact he makes on the Triangle through his fundraising and volunteering with JUST TRYAN IT. To date he has raised over $30,000 for JUST TRYAN IT.
Ryan Darby and his brothers in Phi Delta Gamma (FIJI) at the University of South Carolina raised over $12,500 for JUST TRYAN IT in their annual Head Shave for Hope benefit.
$145,000 Raised to Support Families What a wet and wonderful weekend! The Chapel Hill race community achieved many firsts this weekend. The race sold out with over 350 registered racers, a record for this race. The most money ever was raised in Chapel Hill, $145,000 (and still counting), to support families in treatment at
March 2023 Dear Friends, A recent article in the The New York Times Magazine, What Happened to Us, by Jon Mooallem, talks about our collective resistance to reflect on what we experienced during the pandemic and our relentless drive to return to “normal”. The article made me think of the traumatic experiences of families who have
THANK YOU! $40,128 for families fighting cancer. We are Doing Good Together. On January 1st we received this letter from Amy, a JUST TRYAN IT grantee and the mother of 12 year old Evan. Evan recently completed his chemotherapy treatment. Amy’s letter captures the deep gratitude grantee families have for all those who aid them
JTI Receives $50,000 donation to the Deep Needs Grant Fund This testimonial was written by a generous donor and volunteer who wishes to remain anonymous. We are truly grateful to him and his family for their commitment to JUST TRYAN IT. I first became familiar with JUST TRYAN IT when my grandchildren decided to participate
THANK YOU BETHESDA $178,638 raised for JUST TRYAN IT to support families with a child in cancer treatment in the Washington metropolitan area. Race Day is the Best Day We are digging out from under the race gear and celebrating a fantastic race weekend. The weather was perfect! Even
Thanks to the Truman family, JUST TRYAN IT was nominated for Good Day DC's Pay It Forward segment on Fox 5. Much to our surprise, this interview ended with JUST TRYANIT being awarded $2,000 from Easterns Automotive Group. This gift was to match the $2,000 raised by Dominic Truman and his family during a big
For twelve years JUST TRYAN IT has provided families financial assistance to alleviate the financial stress they encounter when their child is in cancer treatment. We have raised over 4 million dollars and helped nearly 3,500 families. These emergency relief grants are generally capped at $2,000 per family per year and directly pay rent, mortgage, utilities
THANK YOU CHAPEL HILL $134,000 raised for JUST TRYAN IT to support families with a child in cancer treatment at UNC and Duke. Race Day is the Best Day I still have a smile on my face! We are basking in the warmth of the post-race glow. I wanted
March 2022 Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to share with you JUST TRYAN IT’s 2021 Impact Report. This report provides insight into the impact JUST TRYAN IT has on the families we serve. Our mission is first and foremost to provide financial relief to families with a child in cancer treatment. We are
The Board of Directors of JUST TRYAN IT is pleased to announce the winner of the 2021 Carrie Sloan Norry Founders Award. This award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who demonstrate strength of character, passion, determination, empathy and dedication to those impacted by cancer. These are qualities that Carrie has demonstrated
The Ken Caputo Volunteer Service Award is presented annually to a special volunteer at each of the JUST TRYAN IT triathlons. Ken Caputo was a volunteer who was notorious for his hard work, huge smile and even bigger hugs. Ken knew race day was all about the kids. He would encourage racers and inspire
We are back! Our return to in-person racing was triumphant. The kids triathlons in Bethesda and Chapel Hill raised over $238,000. The proceeds from these events will support families fighting cancer at Children's Hospital, Duke Children's, John Hopkins, INOVA, Children's Hospital at Sinai and UNC. Thank you to all of our racers, volunteers, sponsors
Welcome to the Empathy Gym! The goal of this program is to spark empathy, expand our community and inspire you to make a difference in the lives of others. Research shows that through practice, we can develop empathy and become kinder and happier as a result. Through the practice of these activities you can
Ken Caputo was a volunteer who served in a “catch all” role. Arriving at 6am, he welcomed volunteers, filled in where needed, oversaw the radio communications for the event, and pumped everyone up. He was notorious for his huge smile and even bigger hug. Ken knew race day was all about the kids. He
A Virtual Success in 2020 Like most things this year, JUST TRYAN IT's 2020 race season was quite unique. When we made the decision to go virtual, we had no idea if anyone would join us. We never imagined that we would have over 1,000 racers participate from Durham to Denmark! This year our
Lake Hogan Farms community maintains safe social distance while racing in the virtual triathlon, May 3, 2020! Dear JUST TRYAN IT Community, On Sunday over 320 people from across seven states participated in JUST TRYAN IT's first virtual triathlon. The majority of these racers were from our Chapel Hill, North Carolina race
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our cancer families need us now more than ever. We have reached out to our partner hospitals and below is a list of what you can do to support families fighting cancer during the COVID-19 crisis. CREATE, INSPIRE, COLLECT Make cards, draw pictures and write letters of gratitude for
February 2020 In 2019, JUST TRYAN IT celebrated 10 years of supporting families in treatment for pediatric cancer. To celebrate this milestone we launched the Doing Good Together campaign with a goal of raising $100,000 to support JUST TRYAN IT and launch us into the next 10 years. Due to your generous support, we
Dear Friends Four little words, “your child has cancer.” Words that change your life forever. In the ensuing days, medical professionals will tell you about the various tests, drugs, and treatments your child will endure. But no one asks the question, “how will you afford this treatment?” Families will do whatever needs to be
Durham Academy, students in their junior year volunteer and work to raise funds for a charity of their choice. Seniors Benny Klein and Isabella Strauss presented to the underclassmen and inspired them to follow in their footsteps. Thank you to the entire Class of 2020 for their contribution to JTI and for living our
The Triangle Day School student council recently sponsored a double-elimination Super Smash Bro’s video game competition/fundraiser with the winner choosing the charity. Students and teachers paid $5 to enter the tournament. Over $200 was raised during the evening. Thanks to Brandon, this year’s winner, for selecting JUST TRYAN IT as the recipient! Triangle Day
JUST TRYAN IT is all about families helping families. In the past ten years we have had over 5500 racers cross our finish lines and helped over 3100 families. Families like Trent's; Trent was diagnosed at the age of 13 with a rare form of lukemia. He endured years of chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant. In February of this
Our volunteers are so sweet! JTI volunteers drop off lots of candy at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham & Wake, North Carolina.
Nicholas was one of our first STARS. His older brother, Zachary, wanted to race to support Nicholas who was treated at Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Clinic for a Rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of one in 2008 and again at age three in 2010-11, when it returned. Nicholas loved family vacations, art projects and Curious George. He
The Board of Directors of JUST TRYAN IT is pleased to announce the creation of the Carrie Sloan Norry Founder's Award, so named to honor and commemorate Carrie Sloan Norry’s dedication to JUST TRYAN IT over the past ten years. This award will be presented annually to an individual or individuals who demonstrate strength
At each race we give an award to a race day volunteer that spread enthusiasm, happiness, and a touch of goofiness to our event. We received a record number of submissions and comments on the incredible volunteer team present at this event. Thank you to all the volunteers and race captains for their role
JUST TRYAN IT is thrilled to announce the selection of Maureen Colburn as our new Executive Director. Maureen brings with her a wealth of strategic planning, communication and organizational development experience from the non-profit and public education sectors. She joins us from the Chavez Schools where she served as Director of Talent. Prior to
Jackie’s family is committed to raising money and awareness for childhood cancer. Currently, they have sponsored a mile in Tattoo Tom's (from Stillbrave Foundation) upcoming Bigfoot IV race in Washington state. Each mile (205 total miles) is sponsored by a person or family that commits to raising $1,000 for a mile dedicated in honor
Whitaker was the Face of the Race at our 2018 Alexandria, VA kids triathlon. We are delighted to share with you this update from his family. You can read Whitaker's full story here. Join Whitaker and family at our September 15, 2019 race at Episcopal High School. In the last year, Whitaker has been
At each race we give an award to a race day volunteer that spread enthusiasm, happiness, and a touch of goofiness to our event. This year, we have 3 winners from our Chapel Hill race. Winner: Ana Carlson Ana rose above and beyond the call of duty as a monitor
(Bethesda, MD, Friday, April 26, 2019) - Bethesda-resident Ryan Darby was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December of 2009. During treatment, it was tough, his body took a toll. He got headaches, pain in his knees and pain in his back. During that time, he received so much love and support from family
Zachary and Alexander Spinnell will once again be competing in the JUST TRYAN IT Kids Triathlon for their 9th and 3rd time respectively. The Spinnells are honoring the memory of their brother, Nicholas, who bravely fought Rhabdomysarcoma but passed away from non-cancer related medical challenges in 2014 just shy of his 8th birthday. While Zachary
Isaiah was a happy and healthy baby boy—playing, crawling, walking, eating, talking, laughing—until at 9 months of age when he was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, a rare cancerous tumor in the liver that occurs primarily in children. Isaiah had 4 rounds of chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor. Isaiah went into cardiac arrest
Meaghan (17) is the youngest of Mark and Maura Kilner’s three children. Meaghan has two older brothers: Christopher (25) and Brian (20). Meaghan grew up loving reading, swimming, singing and dancing. In fact in 2012, Meaghan was a JUST TRYAN IT triathlete! Diagnosis and Treatment In January of 2017 Meaghan was a freshman at
Nearly one-third of families with children who have cancer struggle to meet basic needs during treatment, forcing them to make unimaginable decisions: do they pay for medication or for food? Do they skip a chemotherapy appointment so that they can pay their mortgage? In 2018, JUST TRYAN IT assisted in removing these barriers, allowing
As part of our Hope for the Holidays campaign, Baltimore and Bethesda racers led by First Aid Captain Elyse Michelson rallied their community to support Isaiah, a local Baltimore child battling cancer and the complications from treatment. Through a community boot camp, Lularoe, a local school, and company holiday parties, they were able to
We asked Amie why she has chosen to be a Key Holder and provide monthly donations to JUST TRYAN IT. How did you first hear about JUST TRYAN IT? I became aware of JUST TRYAN IT as I saw signs around town and kids wearing JUST TRYAN IT triathlon t-shirts. What inspires you about
We are honored to be included in Bethesda Magazine's Best of Bethesda 2018 listing. Grab your copy of the January / February issue on news stands today.
Colin is an adorable 2-year-old little boy who was diagnosed with infantile leukemia at 3 weeks old. He immediately began treatment that included chemotherapy, stem cell therapy, and a bone marrow transplant. Due to another relapse, Colin will have a second bone marrow transplant in December 2018. Colin's family have consistently found ways to
Our December Random Acts of Kindness Calendar is back. Spread some love and help out this month by following along and finding ways to make others smile. Please keep us posted with how you are doing. We are posting each day of the month on our social media channels and would love to see
Eli was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. He lives with he brother, Grayson, and their grandmother, Carolyn. Neither parent is directly involved in their daily lives. Carolyn has had to cut her work time in half to care for Eli and the financial strains have become immense. Carolyn is devoted to her grandsons
Gabriella “Gabby”, age two, is the youngest of 12 children. Gabby was born with down syndrome and earlier this year, was diagnosed with leukemia. Gabriella’s mother needed to quit working entirely in order to be there for her daughter, while dad does his best to maintain his full-time schedule. Gabby has spent the majority
Dominic (in red shirt) is an adorable 3-year-old little boy who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017. Sadly, his treatment has been met with several complications. Dominic lives with his parents and three siblings in Virginia. His mother has stopped working entirely, while his father has needed to take time away from his job
Tim Mooney Joins JUST TRYAN IT as Director of Development to change the world for families battling childhood cancer (Monday, October 15, 2018, Bethesda, MD) JUST TRYAN IT is proud to announce the hiring of Timothy J. Mooney as director of development. Mooney is the former director of philanthropy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of
Do you have more candy in your house than you can eat? Why not give it away! We are collecting candy and delivering it to the families and staff in the pediatric hematology / oncology clinic at UNC Children’s hospital. Brighten someone else’s day with a treat. Now through November 16th. Interested in helping
This amazing group of individuals is leading our 2019 races in 4 different states. We are so excited to work with them and watch the magic they create in their communities. Karen Cox, Chapel Hill Karen Cox’s background is in Human Resources and Executive Recruiting. Karen has
On September 21, 2018, 4 Landon high school students attended the Biden Cancer Initiative's culminating event in downtown Washington, DC. Armen S, Vernon H, Jonathan C, and Johnny M learned about the variety of approaches to cancer care research throughout the country from panels of experts. Thanks to these gentlemen for participating. We are
Winner: Pierson Gammage At each race we give an award to a race day volunteer that spreads enthusiasm, happiness, and a touch of goofiness to our event. Run Course Captain Deb Povinelli wrote, “Pierson was just before the shortcourse turn around and never stopped jumping, ringing the cowbell, and high-fiving every
Nevie is a rising second grader at Burgundy Farm Country Day School. She learned about JUST TRYAN IT last year from some of her classmates and loved participating in the 2017 triathlon. Her mom, Betsy, is a childhood cancer survivor so Nevie knows how important it is to raise funds for this important cause.
Winner: Zoe Toscos At each race we give an award to a race day volunteer that spreads enthusiasm, happiness, and a touch of goofiness to our event. As one team member wrote,“Zoe was in the Start Zone and was INVALUABLE. She was wonderful with the kids, handled all the nervousness and kept
After hearing about Meaghan's bone marrow transplant and struggles with cancer, the St. Michael's School of Cary students took to pen and paper. They wrote uplifting notes to Meaghan that were more than just "get well." As Stars Coordinator, Alisa Wiener said, "These cards take my breathe away. The students seem to know her
Winner: Tim Cohen At each race we give an award to a race day volunteer that spreads enthusiasm, happiness, and a touch of goofiness to our event. “Tim stood out from the moment he arrived. Even before the volunteer meeting, he was eager to help and jumped in to hang signs and unload equipment. His unwavering enthusiasm
On February 23, 2018, Ryan Darby, the inspiration behind JUST TRYAN IT celebrated 5 years since his treatment for leukemia ended. Ryan, and his mother, Mollie Darby were interviewed on Good Morning, Washington that morning. In case you missed it, check out the segment here.
Join fellow triathletes and all around amazing people in spreading some love and happiness this December. Print out this RAK Calendar and get started! Print
Thanks to all the neighborhoods, schools, and businesses that helped us collect candy this year. A special shout out to these candy captains: Kelley Keats, Allison Farnworth, Jeanne Dombcik, Wendy Albano, Kristen Pavlicek, Margarita Escaler, Maripat Metcalf, Lauren Hostetler, Grace Bell, Kate Newman. And, thank you to these schools and businesses: Duke School Faculty
