“I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
That quote inspires meaningful action in LHC Group’s Nathan Dove.
As a physical therapist assistant (PTA) at Brookdale Anderson in Anderson, S.C., Nathan’s support for his patients doesn’t stop at the end of the workday. His passion to help extends further into the community he calls home – specifically through his personal mission to raise awareness and funding for research and treatment of the illnesses and diseases he sees his patients struggle with each day.
Several years ago, he began his quest to raise awareness and funding for causes he believes in. His way is through physical activity challenges, including running, pushups, and cycling. Over the years, he has challenged himself to champion causes for pancreatic cancer research, mental health awareness, and veteran suicide awareness, among others.
In 2018, Nathan raised money for pancreatic research and family support by completing the New York City marathon. In 2020, he completed a month-long pushup challenge for Mission22 – raising awareness of veteran suicide and funding for suicide intervention. In 2022, in honor of one of his residents who passed away at the age of 98, he completed a 98-lap track challenge for mental health advocacy.
This year, Nathan has set his sights on another challenge – this time in the name of Alzheimer’s awareness.
In July 2023, he will participate in the “Ride to End ALZ” in South Carolina. This annual cycling event spans three days and 255 miles across the state. The ride will take him from Simpsonville, located in the northwestern part of the state, all the way to Charleston on the coast.
In his 13 years as a PTA, Nathan has spent most of his time helping elderly patients battling Alzheimer’s. But the disease has also affected his own family.
“I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s when I was young,” he said. “I ride because I am inspired by the strength of the 6 million-plus Americans living with this disease, and the more than 11 million family members and friends who provide them with care. I want to help speed up scientific progress toward better treatments and prevention.”
Along with his cycling partner, Nathan is taking on this challenge with great hope in his heart – the hope of one day changing the outlook for so many, for the better.
His success in helping make this hope a reality will take dedication, hard work, and devotion – three things Nathan has demonstrated he has in abundance. You can help, too.
To learn more about the ride this July, to show your support with a donation, or to share his story, please follow the link here.
Nathan I dont know if u remember me but Im Mamies daughter Linda. I didnt no u were doing this for Alzheimers but u r doing something to b very proud of. It means a lot to me because of Mom. U r definitely a wonderful young man. Keep up the good work.