CycleNation Buffalo Raised $185,000

(Buffalo, NY, September 14, 2019) – The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) held their second CycleNation event in Buffalo Saturday, September 14, 2019, raising $185,000. The ride was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the ADPRO Sports Training Center located at 1 Bills Drive in Orchard Park, NY.

The high-energy, endorphin pumping, indoor stationary cycling event, chaired by Dr. Elad Levy, Co-Director, Gates Stroke Center and Cerebrovascular Surgery at Kaleida Health, Director of Endovascular Stroke Treatment and Research Medical Director of Neuroendovascular Services at Gates Vascular Institute and Dave Anderson, President and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, welcomed over 300 people to raise lifesaving funds for heart disease and stroke research in our community.

Participants, their friends, co-workers and families enjoyed heart-healthy snacks, nutrition advice, a chance to win prizes, an interactive selfie stop and receive valuable information about stroke and heart disease prevention. There was a VIP Super-Star lounge sponsored by Pegula Sports with Buffalo Sabres veterans #20 Don Luce and #24 Bill Hajt, along with Buffalo Bills alumni and wide receiver Donald Jones, BlueCross BlueShield Kids Zone, Fun Run for kids ages 3-12 sponsored by Kaleida Health, Hype Photo Booth and more. Each rider enjoyed a 25-minute, high-energy stationary cycling session led by local instructors from Revolution Buffalo, Rebel Ride Indoor Cycling and Strength and Rise Fitness before handing off to another team member. Each team can have up to eight riders.

“Western New York is ranked among the highest for stroke rate,” said Dr. Elad Levy, Co-Director, Kaleida Health Stroke Center. “During a stroke, 2 million neurons per minute die. CycleNation will help raise awareness and funding to help us continue our fight to treat stroke in our community.”

The goal of this event is to use cycling to improve heart and brain health, while raising funds to continue the American Heart Association American Stroke Association vital community programs, lifesaving research and advocacy efforts to end heart disease and stroke.

“Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of hospitalization and death across the eight counties in Western New York that BlueCross BlueShield serves," said David W. Anderson, President and CEO, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. "I'm honored to have serve as co-chair for the 2019 CycleNation to help raise awareness and contribute to research that will enable our members and community to live longer, healthier lives," Anderson said.

Being physically active is important to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation's No. 1 and No. 5 killers, with stroke being the No. 3 killer in Western New York. To improve overall cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association American Stroke Association suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.

“CycleNation is a rally ride to educate and encourage our community to stay active and incorporate a healthy lifestyle into their daily routine,” said Michelle Mason, Director of Development for the American Heart Association. “Cycling strengthens heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces cholesterol. 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 this year,” Mason said.

To donate or learn more visit CycleNation.org/Buffalo. For heart and stroke information visit Heart.org/Buffalo.

CycleNation is nationally sponsored by Amgen. The local signature sponsor is BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Delaware North and Kaleida Health. The media sponsors are WGRZ-TV and Buffalo Healthy Living. Other local sponsors include Integer, Pegula Sports, and Lawley Insurance, to name a few.

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About the American Stroke Association

Starting 20 years ago with the American Stroke Association’s inception as a division of the American Heart Association, advancements have revolutionized the field of stroke prevention and treatment. As many as 80 percent of strokes are preventable. And, while one in 4 stroke survivors have a second stroke, the good news is that second strokes are also largely preventable with a healthy lifestyle. Most people who have a stroke have high blood pressure, so it’s incredibly important for everyone to know their numbers and keep them under control to help prevent a stroke.

The ASA’s Together to End Stroke™ initiative teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people to recognize the most common stroke warning signs and what to do if one occurs:

· F - Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

· A - Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

· S - Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly? 

· T - Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately. Calling 911 is the fastest proven way to access treatment because hospitals are set up to treat stroke patients arriving by ambulance.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org/buffalo, Facebook, Twitter or by calling #716.243.4603.

For Media Inquiries:

Jackie Mangione, Regional Communications Director, #585.967.7749; Jackie.Mangione@heart.org