The first Ultimate Cycling Challenge will raise money for LiveStrong Foundation, along with raising awareness for other forms of cancer Saturday.

The UCC will begin 10 a.m. Saturday at the Student Activity Center. The indoor cycling event will end at 10 p.m.

“There will be 13 participants in four or more teams, from all over the state. Some are from Traverse City or Saginaw,” said UCC co- chairman and Auburn junior Katy Foco.

The event costs $30 and participants will receive goody bags from numerous amounts of sponsors.

Foco said she first did the cycling event in Holland with an instructor and decided to bring the event to CMU.

“I feel it is important to raise money for cancer,” Foco said. “One person in the U.S. dies of cancer every 58 seconds.”

Foco also said she is hoping the event will raise at least $5,000.

Meghan White, the co-chairman of the UCC and CMU grad student, feels this event is crucial for cancer awareness.

“Everyone knows someone who has died of cancer. One of two women and one of three men will die of cancer,” White said.

White works for a pharmaceutical called, GlaxoSmithKline, who said they will match whatever the event raises.

Foco and White are hoping to make this fundraiser an annual event at CMU.

CMU fitness instructor and Midland senior Danielle Schmidt will also participate in the event, to show her support.

“I am dedicated to helping cancer awareness, I love cycling and benefiting a good cause,” Schmidt said.

She also motivated others to join this cause.

“I told my classes, and motivated my students through my excitement,” she said.

The deadline for participants to sign up has past, but people can still donate money.

news@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Courtney Hudson