Deb Van Arman and her husband Jay, moved to Strode in the Fall of 2019 from the Upper Valley. Both needed to slow down a bit from their on-the-go lifestyle. They immediately fell in love with the countryside here, with Deb taking advantage of the great outdoor activities the area has to offer.

In the winter, it’s snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The rest of the year, it’s hiking and biking, which makes her a perfect participant for this week’s Last Mile cycling fundraiser.

“I love to bike and when I heard about it, I said, that’s for me,” Deb said.

The Last Mile event, held over two weekends this year, raises money for Gifford’s end-of-life care program. Over the last 15 years, more than $1 million has been raised. That money helps ease the burden of families and their loved ones in palliative care.

“It’s Make-A-Wish for the terminally ill. I can’t say enough about it. It’s great.”

Both of Deb’s parents died of cancer and had hospice intervention. She also spent much of her career at a VA hospital, where she learned about the concept of hospice care.

“I really feel that’s the way to spend your last days, in comfort,” Van Arman said.

Last Mile also offers a walk and 5k run on Friday, August 20^th and an 80-mile motorcycle ride on Saturday, August 21.

On Saturday, August 14^th, it will be Deb’s first time participating in the Last Mile’s cycling event. Her reaction to the Last Mile fundraiser is similar to when she first visited Strode Independent living.

“The minute we stepped here, we said this is where we want to be,” Van Arman said.

To join Deb or to register for the walk, 5k, or motorcycle ride head to http://lastmileride.com/.