American Stroke Association ride supports brain health and research to eradicate stroke
BUFFALO, November 30, 2022 — More than 100 riders joined together for the American Stroke Association’s CycleNation event Wednesday at ADPRO Sports Training Center. The ride boosts mental and physical health while raising critical funds to stop the cycle of stroke across the nation. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability in older age.
CycleNation is a high energy, indoor stationary cycling event. Teams of four ride stationary bikes in relay format. Each team member rides for 30 minutes. Throughout the evening, riders met stroke survivors, local celebrities, and more. Teams raised money to help fund research, education and advocacy programs.
The ride featured teams from 20 companies who came together to pedal for a purpose. Funds raised through CycleNation benefit the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association – the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
Each year approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. While approximately 80% of those who have a stroke will survive, but the majority of these will remain with some degree of physical impairment or disability. Research shows that up to 80% of strokes may be prevented. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression.
“CycleNation is more than a program – it’s an active movement empowering people across the country to get their bodies and brains in gear through cycling,” said CycleNation chairman Andy Davis, Chief Operating Officer of ECMC. “We are thankful for all the teams who came out to support the movement.”
“Cycling strengthens heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces cholesterol,” said CycleNation co-chairman Dr. Vijay Iyer, cardiologist and director of the Gates Vascular Institute/BGMC. “Additionally, cycling increases brain function, processing speed and mental alertness. We are really proud of our work through CycleNation and we know that through our local efforts we will be able to save countless lives.”
The event raised more than $40,000 towards lifesaving research, education, and advocacy programs. During the evening, stroke and cardiac arrest survivor Bob Palmeri shared his story and riders were treated to a “glow stick ride” creating a unique experience inside ADPRO Sports Training Center.
CycleNation is rooted in proven science that the physical activity can support strong brain function, processing speed and mental sharpness.
Knowing F.A.S.T. and responding quickly in a stroke emergency may mean the difference between recovery and disability- Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, Time to Call 911.
Buffalo CycleNation is sponsored by ECMC, Kalieda Health, Medtronic, GE Healthcare, Triad Healthcare Recruiting, and media sponsors WGRZ and Buffalo Healthy Living. To learn more about this movement, visit CycleNation.org.
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