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 done to cover costs. However, as the days turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years, the bills pile up. And not just the medical bills: the mortgage, utilities, food, and transportation costs and there is no insurance for these.

The feeling is overwhelming when your child is in the hospital, the last thing you should have to do is deal with your mortgage company threatening to evict you. But this is the reality for so many of our families. This is where JUST TRYAN IT steps in. We partner with hospitals to provide immediate financial relief to families undergoing pediatric cancer treatment. In 2019 we distributed more than $280,000 to our partner hospitals and supported 174 families across five states.

Raegan, Dalton, Brianna, and Kaishawn are just a few of the names of children we have helped over the past year. This would not have been possible without you. All of the money that we send to our hospitals is raised by you, our racer community. Last year, more than 1,000 racers crossed our finish lines, raising on average $294 per person. By committing to JTI, our racers and their families save lives by supporting families financially.

2019 was a year filled with celebrations, new beginnings and fond farewells. Our ten-year anniversary parties were a fantastic success. We launched a new race in Pioneer Valley, I started as the new Executive Director and we welcomed Director of Race Operations, Deb Povinelli. We also said farewell to our Founder and Executive Director, Carrie Norry, and our Director of Development, Tim Mooney, knowing they will always be a part of the JUST TRYAN IT family.

2020 launches a new decade and presents us with new opportunities. Our board started a strategic planning process that will guide us through the next three years and enable us to increase our impact on families in treatment. Please take the time to complete our SURVEY to share your thoughts and inform our strategic planning process. Most important, plan to race, volunteer and/or donate to us in 2020!  Our families depend on your support.

Thank you and blessings for a peaceful, happy and healthy new year!

Maureen

Maureen Colburn
Executive Director

2020 Race Season (opens January 5)

Chapel Hill Kids Triathlon – Sunday, May 3

Bethesda Kids Triathlon – Sunday, June 21

Alexandria Kids Triathlon – Saturday, September 13

Pioneer Valley Kids Triathlon – Saturday, September 27