Twelve-Year-Old Author Fundraises Thousands for Local Triathlon

 

A twelve-year-old in Orange County is using proceeds from a book he’s written to fundraise for an upcoming triathlon in Chapel Hill.

KJ Mack has raised thousands of dollars over the past several months for the Just Tryan It kids triathlon. Funds from the Chapel Hill race support families in treatment for pediatric cancer in the Triangle.

KJ Mack said he enjoys raising money for a good cause. His father, Kervin Mack, said KJ has participated in the event for three consecutive years.

“The first year he did it, it ended up being virtual, because that was the beginning of the pandemic,” Kervin Mack said. “He did do it in person last year. And this year he’s planning on doing it in person again.”

This year’s race is being held Sunday, May 1. KJ Mack is a top fundraiser for the event having raised more than $8,000.

Kervin Mack said each year, the family tries to think of creative ways to fundraise. Previous years, the family had a music performance. This year, KJ published a book.

“My book is called ‘Zagorar Problems: The Crystal of the Bright World,'” KJ Mack said. “It’s about these two twin siblings, Teddy and Julia, who don’t really get along well at all. But, then some very strange and supernatural stuff starts happening.”

KJ Mack said he worked on the book for a little more than a month – expanding on a creative writing assignment he was given in school. He’s giving signed copies to people who donate $50 or more. He’s even working on a sequel too.

“I enjoy writing,” KJ Mack said. “That’s something I’ve enjoyed for a while, but I just hope to raise as much money as possible. I will probably do the race until I am too old. The age limit is 14, it’s six to 14. Once you’re older than that, you can volunteer. So even after I’m too old, it’s possible that I might volunteer.”

Kervin Mack said his family hopes to continue supporting the triathlon as best they can. He also said his wife and him are very blessed to have KJ as their son.

“I can’t really describe how awesome it is to have such a giving individual as my son,” Kervin Mack said. “We’re really proud of him. It really means a lot that we’ve been able to help this organization through him. Over the last three years, he’s raised close to $17,000. I think that’s pretty awesome to know that a lot of people have been able to receive help because of his efforts.”

The race has three courses of different lengths for everyone to enjoy. To learn more about the Chapel Hill Just Tryan It race, click here.

 

Featured photo via Kervin Mack

 

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