SAN ANTONIO, Texas, May 8, 2024 — The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, invites San Antonio companies, communities and individuals to stop the cycle of stroke by raising critical funds to further research and education through the local CycleNation event, slated for June 20 at CycleBar Stone Oak.

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Chairman and CEO James Anderson is leading the campaign to the finish line, something he said he was called to do by having lost several close family members to heart disease. Among those impacted – Anderson’s father, grandmother, an uncle who survived multiple bypass surgery but passed away at age 73 and a first cousin who passed away at age 42 while playing basketball in the driveway with his 10-year-old daughter.

CVD is an epidemic, though it’s largely preventable, Anderson said.

“Cardiovascular disease runs in my family on both sides, and I personally have high cholesterol,” Anderson said. “I want to inform, encourage and develop the healthy habits within my own life and the lives of my personal family, my professional family at work, my industry and my community to avoid losing those we know and love to heart disease.”

Bartlett Cocke has around 500 employees and each has family of their own.

“In addition, we have more than 55 active jobsites with daily populations onsite of anywhere from 50 to 500 men and women,” Anderson said.” With the sheer number of employees, family members and onsite industry personnel across our company, each year we are impacted with multiple incidents of both cardiovascular disease and stroke. “ 

He became involved with the American Heart Association-San Antonio under Barlett Cocke’s former chairman and CEO, Jerry Hoog. Anderson took Hoog’s place on the  local board and on the Heart Challenge Executive Leadership Team prior to the San Antonion Heart Walk, but this is Anderson’s first time to participate in CycleNation.

How will Anderson know he’s been successful? “When we increase awareness of how pervasive, yet preventable heart disease is and will have raised $1 million dollars or more to help fund resources, programs and research to help everyone live longer healthier and better lives,” he said.

It takes as little as $250 for an individual to participate and $1,000 per relay team.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability in older age. Each year approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke.[1] 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.[2]

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by

science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

For more information about San Antonio CycleNation campaign or to get your company involved, visit cyclenation.org/sanantonio 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

 

[1] Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Alonso A, Beaton AZ, Bittencourt MS, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2022;145(8):e153–e639.

[2] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.