New Jersey leaders unite for a common passion, pedaling their way towards better brain health for all.

Stroke is the nation’s No. 5 killer, and leading cause of disability. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is hosting CycleNation to raise awareness about that fact – and raise the funds to change the statistic.

President and CEO of Titanium Industries and chair of Northern NJ CycleNation, Brett Paddock, will lead the Digital Experience where participants can ride solo or create a team to “rack up their miles” and virtually support a cause they are all passionate about, cycling for stroke awareness.

“I’m so excited to chair the re-imagined digital CycleNation 2021,” Paddock said. “It’s fitting for us to hold this event during May, American Stroke Month, since CycleNation was designed as a stroke-facing event. This experience will help us raise funds for future research, and by moving to a digital platform we can reach even more people.”

Starting on May 2nd, participants can track their activity by downloading the CycleNation app or using Strava, Apple Health, or Garmin when signing up. Activities could include stationary biking or riding their bicycle outdoors to keep participants engaged and active. The goal is to challenge themselves by riding as many miles as they can during May and setting a fundraising goal to support the Association in New Jersey.

“CycleNation is a great activity because it brings everyone together to talk about stroke awareness, said Rob Miller, senior vice president of marketing at Verizon and committee member, Northern NJ CycleNation. “The more people who can recognize the symptoms of a stroke and the more we can prevent a recurrence of stroke, the healthier we’ll be.”

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in New Jersey and No. 5 in the United States, accounting for over 145,800 deaths. Recent studies suggest that physical activity, like cycling, can help maintain strong brain function, processing speed, and mental sharpness. In addition, cycling is known to strengthen heart muscles and reduce cholesterol.

“Being physically fit was one of the factors that helped save me from a stroke that could have left me with long-term disabilities or killed me. It also helped speed up my recovery,” said Stacy Quinn, a stroke survivor, fitness enthusiast and board member, American Stroke Association. “I’m excited to get our community involved in this fun fitness event and raise awareness of ways to prevent stroke and heart disease.”

The Northern NJ CycleNation committee members include:

  • Brett Paddock, President and CEO, Titanium Industries, Chair, Northern NJ CycleNation
  • Rob Miller, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Verizon
  • Stacy Quinn, Director, Manufacturing Division Communications, Merck & Co.
  • Jennifer Dos Santos, M.S., SHRM-SCP, Director-HRBP, ADP, LLC.
  • David Finkelstein, MD, FACEP, CHCQM, Director, Physician Advisor Services, RWJ Barnabas Health
  • Alan Lieber, President, Overlook Medical Center

To join the ride with a team or by yourself and make a difference in brain health for all New Jerseyans, visit Cyclenation.org/NNJ