Event to support end-of-life care expanded to 15 days to mark 15th year
RANDOLPH, Vt., June 16, 2020—This summer Gifford takes its Last Mile Ride (LMR), Run and Walk, a central Vermont tradition supporting end-of-life care, fully online with a special “Home Edition.” The event enables supporters to participate from home or another location of their choosing anytime between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15.
The 15-day window is in honor of 2020 marking the 15th annual LMR, historically a two-day event in mid-August that draws hundreds of community members and participants from across the country to the green at Gifford Medical Center. LMR Home Edition replaces the traditional in-person gathering.
“We decided to create LMR Home Edition to protect the health and safety of all in our community as we continue to adapt to the COVID-19 public health crisis,” said event organizer and Gifford Director of Development Ashley Lincoln. “LMR Home Edition reflects our new reality while supporting the same great cause. Now more than ever, we are counting on our community to join us, virtually, as we raise funds to support patients at the end of life and their families.”
Whether they plan to ride a motorcycle — the cornerstone of the event — run or walk, participants have 15 days to log their miles or steps. They can map their own route on the day that works best for them. Riders also have the option of choosing a past LMR route from maps that will be available for download at lastmileride.com.
“While we are disappointed that we can’t come together in person to celebrate our 15th annual event, we encourage riding partners, friends and families to celebrate this milestone, safely, and continue their tradition of giving,” said Lincoln, who noted that plans are already underway for a traditional community celebration next summer.
Since 2006, LMR has raised more than $875,000, with all proceeds used to help ease the end-of-life experience and support grieving families. Supported services include massage and acupuncture for pain management, music therapy, catered meals, family legacy photo shoots, and more. LMR also fulfills unique wishes, including in previous years paid travel expenses for family members to visit a loved one, weddings, and estate planning.
“We are grateful for the support of our riders, runners, walkers, volunteers, business sponsors and donors, and for the opportunity to guide their gifts and bring comfort to patients and their families,” said Lincoln. “Together we touch many lives and make a meaningful difference.”
Participants may register for Last Mile Ride, Run and Walk | Home Edition online at lastmileride.com. Registration fees are by donation with suggested amounts of $25 for an individual to run or walk, $50 to ride a motorcycle, and $75 for two to ride. For more information, visit lastmileride.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram, or call 802-728-2380.
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Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, Rochester, and White River Junction; and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient unit; many surgical services; a day care; two adult day programs; and 30-bed Menig Nursing Home, which was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best 39 nursing homes in the country in 2012. The Birthing Center, established in 1977, was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to traditional hospital-based deliveries, and continues to be a leader in midwifery and family-centered care. The hospital’s mission is to improve individuals’ and community health by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care in Gifford’s service area.
