Dozens of employee teams from leading companies around Cedar Rapids will ride to improve brain health for all and stop the cycle of stroke at Cedar Rapids CycleNation Thursday, Sept. 14 at M.A.C. Xtreme.
CycleNation is a high-energy, stationary cycling event. It empowers riders to strengthen the mind and body connection to personal health while funding vital research to eradicate stroke, according to a release.
Funds raised through CycleNation benefit the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability. According to the most recent CDC data, strokes accounted for 1,403 deaths in Iowa in 2021.
“CycleNation is more than a program – it’s an active movement empowering people to get their bodies and brains in gear through cycling,” said Zach Harris, chief operating officer of Workplace Solutions at Transamerica, signature sponsor of Cedar Rapids CycleNation. “This event allows people to get active in a fun, competitive, team environment while raising funds to help fight against stroke. The American Heart Association’s mission aligns with Transamerica’s purpose to be a force for good in the community, and we are very happy to support their efforts.”
As one of the three largest employers in the Cedar Rapids metro area, Transamerica contributed $2.1 million to charitable organizations in the Cedar Rapids community in 2022.
In addition to the ride, participants will have the opportunity to honor local stroke survivors. One survivor who will share her story is Jenna Steffen of Zwingle. Jenna was just 27 years old in June 2022 when she experienced an ischemic stroke just weeks before her wedding. Ms. Steffen made a full recovery, walked down the aisle as scheduled and returned to her role as an elementary school counselor at Briggs Elementary School in Maquoketa.
“A stroke can happen to anyone at any point during their lifetime,” Ms. Steffen said. “I want to share my story in order to spread stroke awareness to people of all ages.”
Local pop artist and NBC’s “American Song Contest” contestant Alisabeth Von Presley will serve as emcee. The event will also feature refreshments and outdoor activities.
Cedar Rapids CycleNation is a signature event of the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge program, which is designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and wellbeing. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspires employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues and get in their physical activity.
The funds raised from Cedar Rapids CycleNation go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality. During the past five years, the American Heart Association has funded more than $12.9 million on new research studies in the state of Iowa, including 67 studies at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
To register and learn more, visit www.cyclenation.org/CedarRapids.
