On Saturday, July 11, Eskenazi Health Palliative Care and the Eskenazi Health Cycling Team will embark on the annual Ride to Remember (R2R6). Now in its sixth year, the bike trek will raise awareness about palliative care and pay tribute to the Eskenazi Health Palliative Care patients who have died in the past year.

Under the direction of Dr. Gregory Gramelspacher, medical director of Eskenazi Health Palliative Care, R2R6 cyclists will ride among the more than 1,000 participants in the annual Ride Across Indiana (RAIN), a 160-mile stretch that runs along historic National Route 40 from Terre Haute to Richmond. You can find out more about the ride and see the route a www.bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/RAIN2014/RAIN.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the number of patients served by palliative care and hospice in the United States rose to just over 1.5 million in 2012 and has steadily increased each year since its inception. NHPCO also reports the number of palliative care programs continues to rise – from the first to open in 1974 to more than 5,500 programs operating nationwide today.

Palliative care adds an extra layer of support to patients and their families when faced with a serious illness. Our skilled multi-disciplinary team attends to not only physical symptoms, but also to emotional, social and spiritual support,” said Dr. Gramelspacher. “Our team understands that patients must be at the center of everything we do. We try to restore a sense of control and normalcy to patients during a very stressful and vulnerable time. We are very thankful to the Eskenazi Health and Indianapolis communities for supporting our labor of love.

The annual ride has gathered around 25 cyclists sporting Eskenazi Health bike jerseys and supporting the cause. Once again, R2R6 is being supported by generous sponsorship funds from the Glick Family Fund at the Central Indiana Community Foundation, the Glasscock Family Foundation, Heartland Hospice and Premier Hospice & Palliative Care.

Each participant who rides with Eskenazi Health Palliative Care is asked to raise $1 per mile for each of the 160 miles of the route, and donations can be made in memory of friends and family. Each rider will carry a card with them that includes the names of the Eskenazi Health Palliative Care patients who are being honored during this year’s ride.

Established in 1999, Eskenazi Health Palliative Care assists patients who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and lack the resources to ensure dignity and compassion remain part of their final days. The specially trained staff at Eskenazi Health helps coordinate complex medical care for patients as they face the physical and psychological challenges associated with their illness.

All are welcome to donate to the cause or cheer on the Eskenazi Health team along the route. To donate or for more information, please call Eskenazi Health Palliative Care at 317.880.8251 or email the team at ehsride2remember@gmail.com.

CONTACT: Kate Taylor 
Phone: 317.880.4783 
Pager: 317.310.5972 
Email: kate.taylor@eskenazihealth.edu