Impact
Lifesaving cancer research
This event is all about funding lifesaving cancer research. In 2021, we had a record-setting 821 participants raise over $550,000, with almost 40% exceeding their fundraising goal.
Our 2020 event was held virtually and included more than 600 participants from 26 states, who collectively cycled, ran, or walked 124,714 miles and raised over $114,000 for cancer research. The inaugural year of LOWVELO in 2019 attracted more than 600 riders and 300 volunteers. Riders brought in almost $700,000 from 5,554 donors.
The funds raised have already been put to good use. Read about Timmy Samec who is a cancer survivor and one of the first researchers to receive funding from LOWVELO.
It’s not just the fundraising that excites us, though. It’s how this event opens up all kinds of opportunities to bond with the community to fight this disease. Many of our participants are survivors or are riding to honor family members who are battling cancer. We get to meet them and hear their inspiring stories. We also get to meet the researchers working diligently behind the scenes to find that next breakthrough to bring to the clinic.
All participant-raised funds go to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, which is the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and the largest academic-based cancer research program in South Carolina. With more than 130 cancer scientists across 20 different academic departments, Hollings’ mission is to eradicate cancer. Read highlights about the cancer center’s research and clinical trials success stories on the Hollings news site.
2021 By the Numbers
821
participants
$1.3M
total raised
200
volunteers
83
teams
24%
from outside Tri-county area
249 / 572
MUSC / non-MUSC
Making a difference
Cancer Survivor Stories
Positive attitude, giving heart are the keys to beating breast cancer for LOWVELO volunteer
Thoughout her five year battle with cancer, it hasn’t always been easy for Joannah Sampson to remain positive, but it’s always been a priority.
From anatomy lab to cancer battle, MUSC student shows gratitude by taking on LOWVELO
New city, new school and a cancer diagnosis. MUSC student Bridget Horgan shows grit and determination in the face of a cancer battle.
Prostate cancer survivor prepares for LOWVELO 2021 ride
Doug McCracken is used to giving back – he and his wife help rescue and find homes for dogs in need. Now he’s preparing for his next task – participating in LOWVELO for the first time as a cancer survivor.
A ride to remember: Cancer survivor prepares for LOWVELO 2021
Riding a bike is nothing new for Robert Conley, but he overcame the removal of multiple organs, including part of his stomach, to be ready to ride in LOWVELO21.
This experience helped connect Hollings with people in the communities that we serve. Volunteers really helped to make the event special. Their interactions with other volunteers, particularly those in the medical profession, helped to increase awareness of health issues such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. These interactions will prove invaluable in the future to improve the health of our community.
Dr. John O'Bryan
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researcher
A ride to remember
