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For Immediate Release 3/1/2016

Helene King 410-601-2296 hking@lifebridgehealth.org

JUST TRYAN IT Presents Generous Check to Support Children with Cancer and Their Families at Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai

Twelve Year Old Cancer Survivor Inspires Creation of Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Improve the Lives of Families in Need

Baltimore, MD - The JUST TRYAN IT Foundation recently presented a check for $25,000 to the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai on behalf of children fighting cancer and their families.

The money was raised by children for children to improve the quality of life for families who need a financial helping hand while they focus on their sick children’s treatments and recovery. Among the essentials this donation can help cover are groceries, transportation to the hospital, tutors, electric bills and even mortgage payments.

“JUST TRYAN IT was created in 2010 after our son, Ryan, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was six years old. Fortunately, and thanks to the wonderful care he received from his doctors, he is now a healthy 12 year old,” says Mollie Darby, Ryan’s mother and co-founder of JUST TRYAN IT. “However, while Ryan was undergoing his treatments, we saw the devastating toll financial hardships took on some families struggling to pay their bills while their beloved children were fighting for their lives. That’s when we decided to help.”

A group of dedicated friends and family came up with a unique way to help those families while teaching our children how crucial it is to be healthy and to learn the importance of philanthropy. JUST TRYAN IT hosts kid-sized triathlons of swimming, biking and running for children ages six to 14 years old. Racers are provided with training tips and tools to aid them in fundraising, a requirement for participation.

Since its inception JUST TRYAN IT has raised more than $750,000 for MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where Ryan received his treatment. Duke Children’s & Health Center, UNC Children’s Hospital and now the Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai will benefit from proceeds raised at triathlons in two new areas – Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Baltimore, Maryland. In partnership with The Park School of Baltimore, the Baltimore triathlon will be held on Sunday, September 11 at the school’s main campus.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to work with JUST TRYAN IT since the beginning and am humbled to see the dedication and generosity that the Darby family and the entire organization have for less fortunate families,” says Aziza Shad, M.D., the Ellen W.P. Wasserman Endowed Chair of the Samuelson Children's Hospital and the director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. “The financial assistance and the emotional impact the funds have on families are immeasurable.”

Members of Park School administration and students were on hand for the recent check presentation at Sinai and are excited to begin their work to support the triathlon.

“The mission of JUST TRYAN IT fits very well with Park’s objective of helping students develop into active citizens,” says Rommel Loria, director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning. “We value opportunities for our students to address the authentic needs of the community while recognizing that this helps broaden our students’ worldviews. This triathlon helps vulnerable families of children going through cancer treatment by meeting very real needs. We look forward to supporting this important work.”

Race registration for the inaugural JUST TRYAN IT Kid's Triathlon opens April 10. All abilities welcome! Interested in volunteering or sponsorship? Contact leanne.till@justtryanit.com.

For additional information about the organization, visit justtryanit.com.

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