On September 29, Williston hosted a triathlon to raise money to help families struggling financially with pediatric cancer.

Proceeds for the JUST TRYAN IT race, for kids from the age of 6-14, were donated towards local families receiving treatment at Baystate Medical Center. The race started at the Sabina Cain Athletic Center and ended at Galbraith Fields.

The JUST TRYAN IT race, “Seeks to positively impact the lives of families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer by providing them with financial assistance,” according to the their website. “We strive to instill the importance of philanthropy and service, promote wellness, and inspire tomorrow’s leaders to make a difference in their communities.”

The swim leg of the race took place in the Williston pool; the contestants biked on the bike path, and the running portion extended to Galbraith.

One hundred racers took part, and the race raised about $23,000.

Anne O’Connor, Head of Security, organized the race with Kate Garrity, Assistant Dean of Students.

“After watching the JUST TRYAN IT video and seeing how beneficial this event is to families that are struggling through a diagnosis of pediatric cancer, there was no way we could NOT do this event,” O’Connor emphasized.

They decided to host it at Williston because we have a “ragingly supportive community,” O’Connor told The Willistonian. “We have a large number of volunteers, students, and employees that genuinely want to help and make this event a success.”

O’Connor and Garrity prepared for this event since last spring, with help from a group of 160 volunteers.

“The group of volunteers completed several tasks including creating signs (lots of signs) for race day, packaging first aid kits, attaching medals to ribbons, planning out the different courses, and securing entertainment for the after party,” she said.

The JUST TRYAN IT event is different because it is “all about kids helping kids and it offers our community the opportunity to be an integral part of what is a ‘game changer’ for so many families,” O’Connor added.

Before the race, O’Connor spoke to her motivation for putting on such an event. “There is nothing better than kids helping kids!” she said. “Also, knowing that this event may ease some financial burden for local families fighting pediatric cancer is hugely motivating!”

Sonia Whitman ’21, a member of the Community Service Club, said she really liked the message of JUST TRYAN IT.

“I wanted to help out the families and the racers involved because I want to see the smiles on the kids’ faces,” she said. “Everyone who has the time to do it should really participate or volunteer because it is a great thing for the community.”