My family and I first learned about JUST TRYAN IT (“JTI”) and its mission to support local families battling pediatric cancer about ten years ago when my daughters were in middle school. After participating in the first kids’ triathlon JTI held in Alexandria, we were moved by the incredible impact JTI has on the families it helps. We listened as parents explained that JTI’s critical financial assistance allowed them to focus more on their child’s health, healing, and time together. They also stressed that knowing that a community of kids and families cared enough to show up to support them provided incredible emotional support at their most difficult time. 

By engaging kids to walk, run, and fundraise for other kids, JTI provides a unique chance for young people to give back in a meaningful, concrete, and active way. Our family has been involved with JTI since we saw our first kids’ triathlon in action.  The young racers are sometimes nervous, often excited and eager, and always extremely proud to have completed their first kids’ triathlon and helped others. It is simply an incredibly inspiring event all around, even more so when you learn that JTI was started by a mom whose young son was facing his own cancer battle.

Over the last ten years, we have continued to volunteer on race day, our daughter started a club at her high school, and then at college. We’ve walked and invited friends to join us for the Frozen Feet 5K at Episcopal High School, and I’ve joined the Board.  We would love to see more of our Alexandria and Belle Haven neighbors at an upcoming JTI event, whether it’s the triathlon in September or the next Frozen Feet race in early 2027, to experience firsthand the direct and profound impact JTI has in helping young families in our community as they fight cancer.