2/26/2010
Written By: By ANGELA BURCH, Messenger staff writer
Category: Life  
School(s): Fort Dodge  

One in three people will be told they have cancer in their lifetime. It is the second leading cause of death in America; in 2009, 6,360 Iowans died from cancer.

Statistics like those from the American Cancer Society have compelled the Fort Dodge Community Recreation Center to team up with the local ACS chapter to raise money for the continuing fight against the disease.

David Pearson, executive director of the FDCRC, said with so many people being affected by cancer in one way or another, he thought it would be a perfect time to bring a Bike for a Cure event to Fort Dodge.

FDCRC staff will set up 12 stationary bikes in the Crossroads Mall on March 21, ready for people to pedal for the cause.

"For every dollar raised, they can bike for one minute," Pearson said. "We have the resources to do what they're doing in Des Moines with people, equipment and spin bikes, so we wanted to bring it here."

That's not saying just because someone raises $500 that they will be on a spin bike for more than eight hours, he said.

"They can bike as long as they want or can have other people bike for them," he said. "It just comes down to people asking. If we can get quite a few people to all pitch in a little, it will really add up."

Liddy Hora, who is in charge of local community relations for the American Cancer Society, said the collaboration between the two groups is a natural fit.

"Research has shown that there is a direct link between obesity and the lack of exercise and the rate of cancer," Hora said. "By having a community group such as the FDCRC joining with us in the fight against cancer, it encourages people to become aware of the information out there, stay healthy and live a healthy life. We encourage people to not only donate but hop on a bike and join them to help raise money to find that cure for cancer."

All of the money raised by participants will support cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

"By continuing to raise money and create awareness through an event such as Bike for a Cure, we're really working very hard to help people stay well by keeping active, eating healthy and getting regular checkups at the doctor."

Pearson said anyone can raise money and participate in the inaugural Bike for a Cure event by picking up a pledge packet at the FDCRC, 1422 First Ave. S. Packets are due back March 15.

A six-month membership to the FDCRC is up for grabs for the person who raises the most money, with three-month memberships for the second- and third-highest fundraisers.

"It's something new," Hora said. "It's a perfect fit. They're promoting staying active, and we raise money for life-saving cancer research. It is just a perfect fit in the fight against cancer."