Celebrating the 12th Anniversary of Gifford’s fundraiser to support end-of-life care
This is the 12th Anniversary of the ride, which started in 2006 with just 74 motorcycle riders. Today, the event has expanded to include two walking routes and a timed 5K run. Funds are also raised through raffles for a motorcycle and a quilt made by Gifford nurses. Last year a record-breaking 460 people participated in the 2-day event, and in 11 years the Last Mile Ride has raised more than $540,000 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.
The two-day event begins on Friday, August 18, with a timed 5K and a 1- and 2.5-mile walk (registration begins at 4:30 p.m./event starts at 6 p.m.); and continues on Saturday, August 19 with a 75-mile motorcycle ride (registration begins at 8:30 a.m./ride starts at 10 a.m.).
There is still time to join the Last Mile Ride! Visit www.lastmileride.com for routes and more information. Participants can register on the day of the event. Community members unable to participate are encouraged to line the event routes to offer support.
