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The Gifford Medical Center Last Mile Ride to raise money for end-of-life care is being held between August 1 and 15th, as a virtual event. The money raised helps patients seek alternative therapies like Reiki, massage, and music therapy. They also provide unique services to support families, like providing meals for those spending their last moments with loved ones and helping with transportation costs for far-away families.
Unlike previous years, there is no group gathering or ride this year.
“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.”
The 15-day event window honors that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the event.
To participate, riders should register on the Last Mile Ride website and download a route sheet from a past ride (GPX files for routes). Riders can then ride anytime between August 1st and 15th.
Registration fees are by donation. The suggested donation is $50 for an individual rider or $75 for a rider and passenger.
Participants are encouraged to take photos and videos and post to social media with the hashtags #LastMileRide #LMRfromHome #15thLMR or tag them on Facebook with @LastMileRide or Instagram with @LastMileRide_VT.
Organizers of the event regret they cannot properly celebrate the 15th-anniversary milestone, but promise to have a party at next year’s event.
“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.
For additional details and to register, see the Last Mile Ride website.