Competitors arrive on shore as they move to the next phase of the triathlon. Swimmers line up at a previous Tri for Jimmy.
Photo credit: Tri for Jimmy
WESTFIELD — One of the region’s most beloved community-driven triathlons, Tri for Jimmy, is returning once again on Sunday, June 1 at Hampton Ponds State Park.
The annual event invites participants of all ages and abilities to come together for a day of endurance, camaraderie and support for the life-saving work at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
“Tri for Jimmy is more than just a triathlon, it’s a movement of people determined to make a difference,” said Lisa Totz, Tri for Jimmy organizer. “Whether you’re racing, volunteering, cheering or sponsoring, every contribution fuels cancer research and compassionate care at Dana-Farber. This event demonstrates what we can accomplish when a community unites for a common cause.”
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the triathlon, rebranded as Tri for Jimmy in 2019, to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Over the years, the event has grown into a community treasure, attracting athletes, sponsors and supporters from across New England and beyond.
The triathlon features three beginner-friendly segments — a swim, a bike ride and a run. It’s designed to welcome participants at all fitness levels, making it a perfect opportunity for newcomers and experienced athletes to challenge themselves. These essential funds raised help advance cutting-edge cancer research and provide patient care at Dana-Farber.
To learn more details of the event or to register for the race, visit TriforJimmy.com. Sponsorship, volunteer and donation opportunities are also available on the same site. Sponsorships include visibility on race day and promotional materials. Opportunities for volunteer registration remain open until race day.
Totz is a triathlete herself and has been involved with this fundraiser since its origin as the Westfield YMCA Wave Triathlon back in 2009. As the president of the formerly assembled Jimmy Fund Council of Western Mass., Totz spearheaded the events rebrand as a fundraiser in support of the cancer research and Dana-Farber as the previous formation of the fundraiser triathlon was losing steam.
“Having been a triathlete for 20 years, the whole sport has been quite variable,” Totz said. “There used to be series and events, like an ongoing season of triathlons. Now the industry has changed and we don’t have that as much. So, the one thing that’s been consistent about Tri for Jimmy is that it’s an entry point to the sport. It’s very beginner friendly and focused, but we allow Iron Man triathletes right next to beginners in the same event.”
Totz said while the event is raising money for a great cause, the triathlon is meant to be as accessible to as many people through its point of entry. She added seeing participants take on the event and accomplish the challenge is always very rewarding for everyone involved.
Through her work, Totz said it is gratifying to know these efforts extend into fundraising for cancer research and is a reminder of how community can come together for a cause.
“I think cancer survivors and patients work really hard every day, to get through every day. I think it can be motivating for an athlete to say, ‘you know I’m only doing this for two hours. These people are fighting a fight every day,’ and ‘I can do this. I can do difficult things because there are people that are doing difficult things because they do not have a choice because they’re battling cancer,’” Totz said.
Totz said her goal from the beginning with having the triathlon fundraiser was to make an impact and a difference where she could. Through her involvement with the Jimmy Fund, it quickly became a no brainer.
Proceeds from Tri for Jimmy directly benefit cancer research and care programs at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Over the past six years, the event has contributed significantly to life-saving initiatives, helping to advance new treatments and provide relief to patients and families facing cancer.
Totz added that with the funds raised, Tri for Jimmy makes sure to donate their money as unrestricted funds so Dana-Farber can choose to use the money raised for things that are not generally paid for such as the necessary steps of securing a clinical trial.
Totz said the Jimmy Fund Council of Western Mass is not defunct, but are currently not an active body due to lack of participation. As all things evolve, Dana-Farber has moved away from recognizing councils and invites organizations and individuals to promote the mission of the Jimmy Fund through organized efforts in which they can offer support.
Totz said she is open to connecting with anyone interested in getting involved in reforming the work of the chapter and added efforts like these are not possible alone. She added if anyone is interested in connecting and supporting the mission, they are invited to contact her at triforjimmy@gmail.com.
Looking ahead to race day, Totz expects another great day of people getting active and raising money to change lives. The fundraising goal this year is $25,000 which would be an all-time high for the event.
“We’ve seen firsthand how this event brings people together and changes lives. Mindsets shift from ‘maybe’ to ‘I can,” said Totz. “Every swim, stroke, pedal and step our participants take is a reminder of the resilience we all have in the fight against cancer.”
