Celebrating 10th Anniversary of Gifford fundraiser to support end-of-life care services
Hundreds of motorcyclists, bicyclists, runners, and walkers will gather in Randolph on August 14th and 15th to raise money for special services to support patients needing end-o- life care.
This is the 10th Anniversary of the ride, which started in 2006 with just 74 motorcycle riders. Today, the event has expanded to include bicyclists, walkers, and a timed 5K run. Over the years fundraising raffles for a motorcycle, bicycle, and quilt made by Gifford nurses have also been added. Last year 400 participated in the 2-day event, and in nine years the Last Mile Ride has raised more than $300,000 for end-of-life care.
Some of the services supported by Last Mile Ride funds (massage, Reiki, music therapy) offer direct comfort to dying patients. Other services help ease the end-of-life experience for family and friends who gather to support someone going through “life’s last mile”—funds to help with transportation costs for family far away or to make special “last wishes” happen; photo sessions that capture special moments together; and compassionate staff to help everyone through the grieving process. All have had a powerful impact on the lives of hundreds of families in our community.
This year funds raised by the ride will also support the construction of a second Garden Room, a 2-room suite looking out on a courtyard garden, where people can gather to share time with a dying loved one.
The two-day event begins on Friday, August 14, with a timed 5K and a 1-mile walk (registration begins at 4:30 p.m./event starts at 6 p.m.); and continues on Saturday, August 15 with an 87-mile motorcycle ride and 38 mile bicycle ride (registration begins at 8:30 a.m./rides start at 10 a.m.).
There is still time to join the Last Mile Ride! Log on to www.giffordmed.org or call (802) 728-2726 to learn more. Participants can register on the day of the event. Community members unable to participate are encouraged to line the event’s routes to offer support.