Residents of South Bay at Mount Pleasant senior living community walk, bike and swim for LOWVELO fundraiser
October 12, 2023
LOWVELO participants and staff from South Bay at Mount Pleasant left-right:
Lynn Bagnal, Carol Pauken, Phyllis Ray, George and Rena Frasciello, Patricia Goodman, Eileen Smith, Robert Epley, Lou Ruch, Sean Davis (executive director), Elizabeth Gore (community outreach coordinator), Peter McKinney, Comfort Richardson (wellness director)
Phyllis Ray and Rena and George Frasciello have some things in common: They are all cancer survivors raising money to support the MUSC Hollings Cancer Research Center in Charleston, South Carolina, and they are all residents of South Bay at Mount Pleasant, a luxury rental senior living community.
Ray, 77, who’s in remission from lymphoma, is walking to earn donations from family, friends and anyone else who wants to contribute. The Frasciellos, who are married, are each doing their own activities, including walking in the swimming pool, biking, and racking up miles on the elliptical machine in the community’s state-of-the-art fitness center.
The trio are among 16 residents who are participating in LOWVELO, the annual fundraiser that supports the innovative and life-saving cancer research being done at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Carolina, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center also promotes health and wellness throughout the Charleston community.
The official design of the popular fundraising event 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 for those who feel more comfortable logging miles on their own.
Residents of South Bay at Mount Pleasant wanted to participate in a fitness goal more aligned to their fitness level.
Comfort Richardson, wellness director at South Bay at Mount Pleasant, worked with organizers of LOWVELO to adapt the fundraising activities to a fitness level at which South Bay residents could comfortably participate. “This event is wellness-based, and the residents were delighted to use their healthy lifestyle choices as a way to raise money for cancer research.”
There was no problem convincing residents to take part. They were eager to support the center.
“They’re dedicated and feel strongly about cancer research in general,” Richardson says.
The fundraiser started Aug. 2 and ends Nov. 4. The South Bay at Mount Pleasant participants have already raised $14,000–far more than their original goal of $2,500.
Like Ray, the Frasciellos are happy to take part because cancer is something they’ve personally experienced. Rena, 86, has had breast, uterine and lung cancer, while George is in remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
“We’ve endured all that, and we are both doing well,” George says.
“Cancer is so prevalent. Bringing it to peoples’ attention will help with diagnosing it and with treatment,” adds Rena.
The participants from South Bay at Mount Pleasant each set their own personal goals for their activities, and how long or far they’ll do them. They document their daily activities and turn in the paperwork to Richardson.
“George’s goal is walking in the pool for 50 laps, and, for me, it’s exercising on the elliptical for a half-hour to 45 minutes,” Rena says.
The South Bay at Mount Pleasant residents are proud to be contributing to the wider community effort. Since 2019, LOWVELO has raised $1.7 million to support the cancer center.
Besides raising money for cancer research, the fundraiser is helping residents stay active and engaged.
“Wellness is so important. It keeps them independent,” Richardson says.
Rena says participating in the fundraiser is motivating them to be more active while helping the greater community.
About South Bay at Mount Pleasant/Shem Creek Health Center
South Bay at Mount 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 Mount 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 Mount 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.
