From patient to LOWVELO rider: A 50-year love story, a new reason to give back
After nearly 50 years together, high school sweethearts, Patti and Ben, have faced life’s challenges side by side. When routine bloodwork led to an unexpected leukemia diagnosis, they found themselves navigating a new chapter. Now, as a survivor, LOWVELO rider and volunteer, Patti is giving back to the community that helped her find hope along the way. And, of course, Ben is coming along for the ride.
Carrying on their father’s legacy: Siblings team up to take on LOWVELO
The Perlmutters rode in LOWVELO25 to honor their father, Marty, and give back to the community that supported him through treatment. In fact, LOWVELO riders helped to fund a CAR-T clinical trial at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center that builds upon the success of the CAR-T treatment their father received. That’s why it was second nature for his children to join the LOWVELO family – riding in his honor and helping to fund the cures of tomorrow.
Inspiring action: Overture Daniel Island resident rallies community to raise awareness and funds for LOWVELO
Despite her lack of expertise in cycling, two-time cancer survivor, Joannah Sampson, has helped to raise nearly $12,000 for LOWVELO in the past two years. Her team, Overture Daniel Island, was created in 2024 to inspire residents of the active-living community with the same name to participate in LOWVELO and raise funds for lifesaving cancer research at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.
A second chance: LOWVELO rider living with leukemia bringing hope to the Charleston area, one bike at a time
A bicycle – it was a practical gift that ended up being the catalyst for her whole lifestyle and got her through a cancer diagnosis. Now, Sylvie Baele wants to help others use bikes to improve their lives. It’s why she runs Charleston’s only nonprofit bike shop and why she rides in LOWVELO.
Breast cancer survivor fundraises for LOWVELO by teaching yoga
Kelsey Harrison isn’t a cyclist, but she’s still participating in this year’s LOWVELO event by teaching donation-based yoga classes. Harrison, who has been practicing yoga for over 10 years, teaches weekly classes at a local studio, but her primary focus is holding domestic and international retreats through the company she founded: Get Wild Retreats. Harrison said that yoga saved her life – in more ways than one.
Not your average LOWVELO team: Retirees prove wellness can be found at any age
It’s not your average LOWVELO bike ride team. There are no bicycle shorts. There are no helmets. There are not even any road bikes. The average age? Somewhere between 80 and 90 years old – proof that wellness can be found at any stage of life.
Facing the impossible: Stage 4 melanoma survivor shares why she rides in LOWVELO
For most beginners to biking, the idea of riding 20 miles would seem daunting, or even impossible. But after beating stage 4 melanoma, Ashley Mahoney is an expert at overcoming challenges and laughing in the face of impossible.
Pedaling forward: widower honors his wife by cycling 100 miles and becoming the top fundraiser
Grief looks different for everyone. For Aron Kuch, cycling and raising funds for cancer research is what has gotten him through. That and talking about his wife, Heather.