MUSC Hollings Cancer Center will glow blue this week as the center opens registration for its annual LOWVELO event, which includes a wide array of ways registrants can participate in person or virtually, all for the same goal of raising money for lifesaving cancer research.
This year's event will occur Nov. 6, with registration opening March 24, and will include the addition of a shorter 8-mile island route in addition to the three longer cycling routes of 25, 50 and 100 miles. There also will be stationary cycling classes and a Home Team option, where people can participate virtually by walking, running or cycling.
In addition to being a critically important event to raise money for cancer research, it also is a way to celebrate the memory of those who have been lost to the disease, the courage of survivors and the passion of cancer researchers at Hollings, who are dedicated to finding new treatments, said Hollings director Raymond N. DuBois, M.D., Ph.D.
"Since LOWVELO first took hold in 2019, we've been amazed at how our community has come together to raise money for cancer research and make a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by cancer. Events like this really do make a difference in the fight against a disease that touches so many, and I couldn't be more thrilled to see it return to the beautiful roads of Charleston this fall."
Hollings' director of Development, Deborah Bordeau, said LOWVELO participants know that every cent they raise goes to support research into new treatments and discoveries at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, which generates a lot of passion and energy during the event. This is possible because of community sponsors, including a new premier sponsor, the Beemok Family Foundation.
"Its founder, Ben Navarro, brings a genuine passion and commitment in supporting our mission and ensuring that this year's ride is not only the most fun and exciting one yet but also 100% safe for every single person involved. We are very grateful for his tremendous support," said Bordeau.
In 2019, the event's inaugural year, LOWVELO attracted more than 600 riders and raised nearly $700,000 in funding that has already been put to good use. The 2020 ride, which was held virtually due to the pandemic, included more than 600 participants from 26 states and raised more than $114,000 for cancer research.
"LOWVELO dollars already have made a powerful impact by funding the first LOWVELO fellow, Timmy Samec, whose research focuses on developing new delivery methods for gene therapy for ovarian cancer treatment and assessing the effectiveness of drug therapies in brain cancer," said Bordeau. "The most recent recipient of LOWVELO funds is Hollings' CAR-T-cell therapy program, which offers a dynamic treatment that modifies patients' immune system activity to improve their body's own ability to fight certain cancers."
Hollings first introduced CAR-T-cell therapy to South Carolina and is the only center in the state with both an adult and pediatric CAR-T-cell immunotherapy program. Money raised through LOWVELO will continue to support cutting-edge cancer research, thanks to those who participate, she said.
