Just Tryan It Marathon Helps Families In Need

On May 1, kids will swim, bike and run their way to raising money for sick children.

Just Tryan It is a non-profit that organizes children’s triathlons to help families going through pediatric cancer treatment.

“We aim to help those families with their everyday bills, mortgages, rent, utilities, groceries, gas, so that they can focus on the health of their sick child,” said race director Carrie Norry.

The organization began six years ago in Maryland, when co-founder Mollie Darby’s six year old son was diagnosed with cancer. She was inspired to help families with the financial burden that can come with such a diagnosis.

“They’re struggling so much emotionally with their sick children that to have someone to be able to help them with their everyday expenses has been tremendous. Often, parents when faced with a child diagnosis of cancer have to leave work,”

Just Tryan It has raised over $750,000 in the past to help families. They hope to raise another $250,000 this year.

The May 1 triathlon will be the organizations first in the area and will be help at the Chapel Hill country club. The money raised will go both UNC and Duke Children’s Hospitals.

In addition to helping families, they also try to teach kids to help others.

“Part of our mission, aside from our financial assistance to these families, is to empower healthy kids to make a difference, to teach them about philanthropy, to give them some skills in fundraising and to encourage them to try something new,” said Norry.

Kids 6 to 16 are invited to participate. Each participant is encouraged to raise at least $50.

Participants who register before March 11 will be entered into a drawing for a free iPod touch.

You can register at their website.

Just Tryan It Marathon Helps Families In Need

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