Residents at South Bay at Mount Pleasant are catalysts for new fundraising participation options for LOWVELO.
December 19, 2023
“Cancer has affected us all, so we who survive do what we can to support the continuing research,” said Roberta Price, a resident of South Bay at Mount Pleasant senior living community. Her way of supporting research involved meeting her wellness goal of walking 100 miles.
Bob Epley, also a resident of South Bay at Mount Pleasant a retired actuary, stated, “I worked with mortality tables and life expectancy tables. Cancer has created a shorter life for many. I would like to see that resolved. I would like to see research improve life expectancy,” he said. His way of supporting research involved exceeding his fitness goal of walking 65 miles.
The residents were part of a 16-member team representing South Bay at Mount Pleasant for LOWVELO, the annual fundraiser for the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center last month. MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is the only National Center Institute-designated cancer center in South Carolina. The fundraiser supports the Center’s innovative and life-saving cancer research.
This year was the fifth anniversary of LOWVELO and the first time in which the alternative participation for senior living residents was offered. A pilot program was developed and implemented specifically for residents of South Bay at Mount Pleasant and was a resounding success.
The official concept of the popular fundraiser enrolls cyclists to earn sponsorships/donations to ride their choice of one of five routes based on their desired distance-10 miles, 20 miles, 23 miles, 50 miles, or 80 miles. There is also a stationary ride and virtual LOWVELO Home Team option. Each participant commits to the cause by fundraising at least a minimum amount based on their goals.
Residents of South Bay at Mount Pleasant wanted to participate in the fundraising via a goal more aligned to their fitness level.
Comfort Richardson, wellness director at South Bay at Mount Pleasant, worked with LOWVELO organizers to develop the new option in which its residents could officially participate.
“The residents at South Bay at Mount Pleasant are people who have volunteered their entire lives. Service is engrained in the community; our residents love giving back,” said Elizabeth Gore, community liaison for South Bay at Mount Pleasant. “We cater to the body, mind, and spirit of the residents. We want our residents to continue to do what they did before moving here, and for many, service work was so important.”
Residents identified their individual fitness goals and then sought donations from family and friends to support their success. Participants chose activities, including walking on land or in the pool and working out on an elliptical, and tracked their progress. The residents cumulatively ‘traveled’ more than 266 miles.
Initially, the overall fundraising goal was $2,500, but to date, more than $17,000 was raised by South Bay at Mount Pleasant. “We are in the top ten of the state’s fundraising teams,” said Richardson. “The residents were delighted to know that their wellness practices were used to raise money for cancer research.”
In addition to the satisfaction of donating to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, which is so integral to the Mount Pleasant community, residents of South Bay were excited to rise to the challenge of enhancing their fitness routines. “Many of the participants are continuing with their new routines, and I’ve seen more residents in general, signing up for our regular wellness programming,” said Richardson.
Gore added that there’s great pride in serving as “catalysts for the change” in fundraising for LOWVELO. “Hollings is likely to pitch the prototype to other senior living communities, paving the way for their participation in future events. Our residents are great role models.”
South Bay of Mount Pleasant resident Carole Pauken, whose fitness goal for LOWVELO was walking three miles in the pool, said, “We have learned a lot through the advances made in cancer, and this gives us all hope in dealing with this devastating disease.”
About South Bay at Mt. Pleasant/Shem Creek Health Center
South Bay at Mt. Pleasant is a premier Life Plan rental senior living community located in the South Carolina low country; one of the most desirable locations in the country. South Bay’s 24-acre campus includes beautiful walking/bike paths. South Bay at Mt. Pleasant offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. Shem Creek Health Center, located on campus, offers assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing care for both residents of the community and surrounding area, thus providing a continuum of care for seniors. South Bay at Mt. Pleasant is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management that specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about South Bay at Mt Pleasant, visit www.SouthBayAtMountPleasant.
