Where We Start Matters

For the past few months, we’ve been working with students at Sligh Middle School through our Fit Futures Run Club, and that work led to an invitation to something special. I was invited to attend the 3rd Annual White Coat Ceremony at Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet School. Shortly after arriving, I realized it would be one of those moments that stays with you.

More than 40 eighth-grade students in the school’s medical pathway stepped forward to receive their white coats—a rite of passage recognizing the work they’ve already put in toward pursuing careers in healthcare. Each student received a white coat representing the commitment they’ve made to the values of the medical profession—integrity, discipline, and service—at an age when most are still discovering what’s possible. Standing there, watching that moment unfold, one thought kept coming to mind: where we start matters. Because when it comes to type 2 diabetes, too often we’re starting too late.

Changing the Game

That’s exactly why Fit Futures exists. What began as a novel idea is now taking shape in a real way at Sligh Middle School through our Run Club. With two dedicated coaches now leading the program, students are not just learning about health, they’re putting it into action every week.

      ✅ They’re building endurance.
      ✅ They’re developing discipline.
      ✅ They’re gaining confidence with every step.

With support from TampaWell, we’re able to ensure that students who need it most have access to the structure, coaching, and opportunities to take control of their health journey.

This is what prevention looks like in action.

Keeping the Momentum Going

As the school year comes to a close on May 29, we won’t pause. Through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club at Sligh, Run Club will continue throughout the summer months—because habits don’t form in a few weeks. They’re built over time. And we’re using the summer to keep building something meaningful.

The goal is clear:

Prepare our Run Club participants to walk or run in the upcoming Juneteenth 5K CommUnity Walk/Run. For many of these students, this will be their first 5K. We want every participant to experience that moment of crossing the finish line—and proving to themselves what they’re capable of.

From the Track to the Community

The Juneteenth 5K CommUnity Walk/Run is where it all comes together. It’s where the work happening through Run Club extends into the broader community, bringing together students, families, and neighbors around a shared commitment to better health.

This year, the event moves to a new location—Lowry Park, along the Hillsborough River, creating an even more inviting space for connection and movement. It remains free and open to all, because access matters.

But we’re asking you to take it one step further:

👉 Form a team. Invite your network. Help us fundraise.

Every dollar raised supports the Fit Futures Run Club, ensuring that more young people have the opportunity to start earlier and build a healthier future. We’re building something meaningful, and we’re asking for your support.

👉 Register here:
https://raceroster.com/events/2026/102779/juneteenth-5k-community-walkrun