The annual Cycle to the Sea event is a fundraiser for Carolinas Rehabilitation, which helps people with physical disabilities live more independent and satisfying lives via programs like the Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program for Physically Challenged Individuals (ASAP) in Carolina.
Through its annual Cycle to the Sea event, Atrium Health’s Carolinas Rehabilitation raises money and awareness for its Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program.
The event is an annual bike ride for physically challenged athletes who ride handcycles and/or tandem bikes. In order to take part, each rider has to raise and promote their own sponsorship fundraiser.
Thomas Baskind: A Long Time Cycle to the Sea Participant
Thomas Baskind, first began the benefit in 2013 with his longtime friend Brian Muscarella. Tom to Myrtle Beach to wrap out his ninth annual Cycle to the Sea fundraising after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 hiatus.
The three-day event took place on October 6th, 2022 at the Atrium Health Union in Monroe, NC, to North Myrtle Beach, SC. The money raised by Cycle to the Sea is crucial to ASAP’s ability to maintain its wide range of free and low-cost programs for people of all ages who are physically challenged.
Baskind’s participation in the Cycle To The Sea cycling marathon stems from a touching tale of friendship. Longtime friend Brian Muscarella had a spinal stroke that immobilized him from the chest down and changed the course of his life forever.
Tom Baskind, like a good friend should, was there for Muscarella whenever he needed some encouragement. He didn’t realize it at the time, but Musacrella would be the one to motivate him to do something unselfish, like participating in Cycle to the Sea, with tremendous commitment.
Muscarella’s life took several turns after the stroke. Although he was labeled disabled, he refused to let that stop him. He put all of his efforts into improving his life at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation. He also signed up for a Cycle to the Sea marathon, which is a 180-mile-long ride.
That’s what moved Thomas to join Brian in this noble, altruistic deed to assure that handicapped people in Carolina have access to the greatest care available.
Thomas Baskind’s Philanthropic Spirit
As a result of seeing firsthand the good that the Cycle to the Sea group provides, Thomas Baskind now anticipates participating in the annual Cycle to the Sea event every year and is ready for the 2023 event.
Everyone with debilitating conditions including paralysis, amputation, cancer, etc., receives excellent in- and out-patient rehabilitation services. Tom returns year after year because he knows his fundraising efforts for ASAP are making a difference.
In addition to taking part in Cycle to the Sea annually, Thomas Baskind actively promotes the event so that more people may join in on the excitement and do their bit for a great cause.
Anyone can join the Cycle to the Sea event to help the Carolinas Rehabilitation keep on providing the much-needed care to people with physical and mobility challenges.
