Recreation and Wellness Cycling for a Cure

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Recreation and Wellness

Cycling for a Cure

UD Cycles for a Cure
Click on the titles below to learn more

The 1st Annual Cycling for a Cure to benefit Augie's Quest, MDA's research initiative focused on finding treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease) took place on Saturday, November 1^st in McCormick Gym at the University of Dubuque from 8:00am - 12:00pm. The indoor cycling or spinning classes were open to the public.

The event was coordinated by the University of Dubuque's Recreation & Wellness Department and the Director of Recreation and Wellness, Vic Popp in conjunction with Teresa Cooper, District Director at the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Most importantly, the volunteers made the event a success. The volunteers included University of Dubuque Recreation Staff and the spinning instructors (Jim Romagna, Janna Beau, Rachel McCaughy, Kerri Runde & Traci Cooley).

The event raised $4,700 for Augie's Quest, MDA's research initiative focused on finding treatments and a cure for ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. The top overall fundraiser was Jim Romagna, University of Dubuque's Health, Wellness & Recreation Faculty and the top student fundraiser was UD's Tashia Love.

When Jim was asked about his motivation he replied,"Of course I'm always motivated to exercise, but when you couple that with a cause, especially one that can impair ones ability to exercise, then I'm extra motivated to step forward."

Tashia's best friend, Kelsey has an aunt that was diagnosed with ALS and her health continues to decline. Of course this was Tashia's motivation to volunteer and raise money for the cause. In addition, Tashia said, "Watching the video about ALS really motivated me to want to do something for those struggling with the disease. It really hit home knowing that someone I cared about was going through these same type of struggles. Seeing how passionate and meaningful this fundraiser meant to Vic made me realize how important it is to reach out to other people. I get so caught up in living life for myself; it was nice to step back and realize there are a lot of lives out there in need that I can make a positive change in."

This July, University of Dubuque's Director of Recreation and Wellness, Vic Popp lost his friend, Nick Huber at the young age of 28 to ALS. Nick excelled as the Director of Sports Information at Buena Vista University from August of 2004 until July of 2007 when his ALS progression forced him to resign. Popp stated, "Nick was passionate about finding a cure for ALS." "I wanted to raise money for a cure so others do not have to suffer from this dreadful, terminal disease." "I know Nick was there with us even though spinning class would be considered torture to him."

The event taught students the importance about giving back to the community and to raise funds for a great cause. Jim gave his perspective on the event, "This was a great first year event that will only grow in the future. It was very well run, and it's a great experience for students to get out of the classroom and help make an impact on the UD community and beyond.

In addition, Tashia provided her opinion, "It was very rewarding to watch everyone pull together and work for a good cause. When people come together for the common good, it's hardly ever positive results don't come out. I think people's true colors come when they do more than what is necessary. I was very impressed with the organization, work ethic, and money raised at the event.

The following individuals and business' made significant donations and need to be recognized: Push-Pedal-Pull, Envision Sports Designs, Vendors Unlimited, Panera Bread, American Trust, ChiroCare Plus, Finley Hospital, I Luv Food, Charlie & Jean Daoud, Kent Peterson, and Tom Rauen.

For a printable version of the Event Brochure, click here.

For a printable version of the Sponsorship Form, click here.

Help Us Cycle for a Cure (click here)

     Create your own web page and raise money online! Register yourself to create a website that you can email to all your contacts so they can donate to you via the web! Why set up a personalized page through MDA's Augie's Quest Site?
                                                                                                                           It's Easy!
                                                                                                                           It's Quick!
                                                                                                                                &
                                                                                                             It helps raise money for ALS!

General Donation (click here)

This link will allow you to donate if you want to donate to the event, not necessarily to a specific person.

View Augie on the TODAY SHOW
Click on Augie's image to view this touching 5 minute video

Augie's Quest

The official website of Augie's Quest.

MDA

The official website of Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Nick & Ann's Blog

An online blog about my friend, Nick who passed in July from ALS and his wife, Ann. The last 3 posts are very moving especially in relation to faith and love.

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