POINT PLEASANT — Cyclenation, a division of the American Heart Association, raised $50,000 for stroke research and prevention at a stationary bike event last Thursday at Crest Pointe Rehab.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans, accounting for every one in five deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it is groups like Cyclenation, working with doctors, hospitals and health care providers, that are working to raise both awareness and funds to help with research and treatment for this condition.
The American Stroke Association, a division of The American Heart Association, hosted the stationary cycling event.
Jason Bitzer, development director for The American Heart Association of New Jersey, explained that this is the first event the American Heart Association has done on the Jersey Shore in some time.
“This is Cyclenation, for stroke awareness and research,” said Bitzer. “It’s a great event with Marquis Health Consulting. They have been a great partner to us and are one of the first to certify their facilities with The American Heart Association CPR and first response.”
At Thursday night’s event, teams of four from all over the community and tri-state area gathered at the rehabilitation center overlooking the Point Pleasant canal to participate in a one-hour ride, after raising money over the prior weeks in preparation for this fundraiser.
“They will be riding to raise money for stroke awareness and stroke research,” said Bitzer. Over the course of the whole event, all teams raised approximately $50,000.
Daniel Stermer, executive director of The American Heart Association of New Jersey, told The Ocean Star that Cyclenation is one the the signature campaigns part of the Heart Challenge Movement. This initiative also includes walks and runs that the association hosted throughout the year.
“These are high-energy, high-octane, physical activity-based events,” said Stermer. “It is also another opportunity for us to bring more awareness to stroke and brain health.”
Energy was high throughout the whole event, as soon as everyone mounted their bikes, people began cheering, music began to blast and even Buster, the mascot from the Lakewood BlueClaws, went around the room to hype everyone up.
“The American Heart Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” said Stermer. “We do that through grassroots community partnerships with major employers and organizations like Marquis; we do that with community members who have suffered heart disease and stroke within their own lives and families’ lives, and we bring people together so they have an opportunity to celebrate, remember and recognize all the things that are important to them.”
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