Do you want to promote good health while, at the same time, taking a stand against cancer? If so, there's still a chance this weekend.

The 12-Hour Fitness and Endurance Challenge will be held Saturday at Second Wind Exercise Equipment, located at 10201 University Blvd. in Clive. The event is serving as a fundraiser for Cops Against Cancer, a non-profit group founded by Craig Phinney, an Ankeny cop and resident.

Phinney said many volunteers are still needed to work the event, which begins at 7 a.m. Want to put a team together to participate? There's still time if you hurry.

"We still have seven team slots open and have a dire need for volunteers," Phinney said. "Two hours, four hours — whatever they can provide."

A maximum of 15 teams of six people can participate in the challenge, Phinney said. Throughout the 12-hour event, a member of each team will need to be on a stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical machine for the entire event. Those not on the exercise equipment will compete in endurance challenges.

Anyone who’s 18 years of age or older can participate.

Prior to the event, team members are asked to raise what money they can by asking friends and family to donate a certain dollar amount per each mile they think the team member will log on the exercise equipment. Team members also will be awarded points for the number of exercises they do.

'Biggest Loser' Contestants Taking Part

The event has some epic perks. The top six teams that receive the most donations while raising a minimum of $600 will get to choose a contestant from NBC’s show “The Biggest Loser” to be the team’s captain.

Among those contestants are Rebecca Meyer and Daniel Wright. Phinney's wife, Shirley, met Meyer at the Healthy Living Center in Clive. Meyer and Wright, who are engaged to be married, both live in Des Moines and were contestants on “The Biggest Loser,” appearing on seasons eight and seven, respectively. The couple are now certified personal trainers, having lost a combined 400 pounds since their debut on the popular show.

“Shirley and Craig were huge fans of the show and of us,” Meyer said. “She expressed their interest in getting fit, told us about their organization and shared Craig’s story. My father is a colon cancer survivor — that is what piqued my interest.”

In the past year, the Phinneys, Meyer and Wright grew close. The four of them came up with the idea for Cops Against Cancer’s next fundraiser.

“This is not just about weight loss, but disease prevention — losing weight actually prevents cancer,” Wright said. “We wanted to work together on this fundraiser and we said it should totally be a fitness event.”

Other "Biggest Loser" contestants participating in the event are Jessica Delfs, Bernie Salazar, Sean Algaier and Shay Sollers.

Charity Supports Cancer Patients And Their Families

Phinney, 53, founded Cops Against Cancer, an organization that provides both emotional and financial support to individuals and families who are battling cancer, after he battled and survived colon cancer.

After his fight against cancer, Phinney and his wife decided to lose weight to improve their health and lessen the likelihood of cancer making a reappearance in their lives.

According to the National Cancer Center, about 34,000 new cases of cancer in men and 50,500 in women were due to obesity. The percentage of cases attributed to obesity varied widely for different cancer types, but was as high as 40 percent for some cancers, particularly endometrial and esophageal cancer.

Wright said he hopes the fundraiser will inspire people to make better lifestyle choices and raise awareness for Cops Against Cancer.

“Craig’s organization helps those going through cancer treatments that need the small things,” he said. “When you’re battling anything, a better outlook will help you battle stronger.”

To get involved with Cops Against Cancer or the 12-Hour Fitness Challenge, visit the organization's website or contact Phinney at 515-783-9833 or copsagainstcancer.org@live.com.