The Palmetto Foundation for Prevention and Recovery (PFPR) is a local 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that works to combat substance use in and around the community. After Bruce and Joanne Loveless lost their son Chase at 23 to the opioid epidemic, they founded the organization in his memory to help save as many lives as possible. His death was their call to action and their hope is that no one endures the unimaginable pain of burying their child. Now in existence since 2017, the PFPR continues to strive to expand its programs and offerings to the community in Chase’s memory.

Chase was a tall person with an even bigger personality. He was a student at Chapin, graduated from Hammond School, and attended Presbyterian College, and the University of South Carolina. He was a lover of Lake Murray, sports, and his friends and family. He spent much of his time playing football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. 

Chase was raised in Chapin, where the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) provides parks and recreational activities to the community. Chase grew up playing sports at these local parks where he spent much of his time on ball teams coached by his Dad. These experiences were an integral part of his childhood that later led him to achieve state championship titles and athletic awards. That’s why Chase’s parents place an emphasis on prevention through extracurricular activities and arts. Much of PFPR’s programs focus on providing disadvantaged kids an opportunity to participate in these activities without fees and equipment costs, in addition to the other services they provide.

Chase’s family and friends miss him immensely, but they find comfort in serving the community in his memory to help others avoid similar tragedies.