Race the Helix Proceeds Benefit GGC Foundation


The Shenal family of Greenwood presented proceeds from the 4th annual Race the Helix to the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation on Monday. The annual 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk brought together nearly 200 participants and volunteers to raise support and awareness for the programs of the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC).

Race the Helix, held at the Center on October 4th, directly raised $5,433 for the GGC Foundation, and an honorarium recognizing the Shenal family’s efforts was made from Affymetrix, bringing the grand total to $10,433. “Once again, our community, family and friends have stunned us with their support for this very worthy organization and the tremendous work being done here at GGC,” said Jodi Shenal, who coordinates the event along with her husband, Stephen. Jodi and Stephen, parents of 10 year old Tyler and 4 year old Ryleigh, created the Race the Helix after their daughter, Ryleigh, was born with a rare chromosomal deletion. The Shenals wanted to do something to give back for the care and support that they received from the Center.

With the help of funds raised through the GGC Foundation by donations and events such as Race the Helix, the Center can continue to be at the forefront of research, treatment and prevention for genetic disorders and birth defects. The Shenals, with assistance from the Foundation, are now planning the first Race the Helix Upstate scheduled for March 21, 2015, in Greenville. “GGC is a statewide organization,” shared Stephen Shenal. “We are excited to help expand the impact of Race the Helix and let all of South Carolina know what great things are happening here.”

The 2014 Race the Helix was generously supported by the Helix Gold sponsor, Sykes, and Silver Helix Community sponsors, Capsugel, Countybank, Expedien, Self Regional Healthcare and the Stevenson family.

Photo: The Shenal family presents a check on behalf of Race the Helix. L-R Ryleigh Shenal, GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner, Jodi Shenal, Stephen Shenal, Tyler Shenal, GGC Foundation Director, Victoria Hann and Chair of the GGC Foundation Board of Trustees, Bob Erwin.