June “The Cookie Lady” Curry, who suffered a stroke in February is doing “remarkably well,” according to close friend Joyce Cooke.
June lives in Afton, Virginia, a town on the TransAmerican bicycle route. She has provided refreshments and a place to stay for some 12,000 cyclists since the route was opened to celebrate the nation's bicentennial in 1976.
She has become such a big part of the TransAmerica trail experience that Adventure Cycling Association gave her its inaugural June Curry Trail Angel Award in 1993. The award “recognizes the contributions made by individuals or organizations who promote bicycle touring and improve conditions for bicycle cyclotourists.” More about June is available at the Adventure Cycling Association website.
The Milepost Zero Bicycle Club in nearby Waynesboro, Virginia, has been helping June keep the Bike House going in recent years. I emailed member Joyce Cooke recently to find out about June Curry's condition.
“June “The Cookie Lady” Curry is doing remarkably well and is now home from the hospital. She actually went home on Tuesday (March 8) because that's all her insurance would pay for. She has daytime help and still needs her wheelchair but hopes to be using a walker very soon. She has regained complete use of her left arm and partial use of her left leg. She has home therapy every week and will be fitted with a brace for her foot and leg. I'm transporting her to our local hospital tomorrow for the brace fitting.
She was originally supposed to remain confined to her bedroom and kitchen but in a week's time she has navigated her dining room and living room. In her words, “I have to entertain my company in the living room?”
I don't know what the future will hold for the Bike House but we're taking it a day at a time. June hopes to entertain as many bikers as she can but she will not be able to go down to the Bike House for a while. She really hopes bikers will walk up the hill to see her! So final plans for this biking season will have to wait a while.
As you know, June lives on a meager income and could use any and all help with paying for her medical and home care expenses.”
I followed up with Joyce, who said letters of support and donations can be sent directly to:
June Curry
3252 Afton Mountain Road
Afton, VA 22920
By the way, Joyce wrote:
“The brace fitting went well and the doctor was very pleased with her progress. The head of the therapy department told her that she must be a very special lady to have so many wonderful biking friends supporting her.”
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