Phoenix President leads local movement aimed at improving brain health for all

PHOENIX, May 21, 2026 — The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association - the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, invites Greater Phoenix companies, communities and individuals to stop the cycle of stroke by raising critical funds to further research and education through Arizona’s first-ever CycleNation.

As 2026 CycleNation chair, Tim Brislin, President of Harvard Investments is leading a team of top Phoenix executives that will work to recruit companies and organizations to take part in the CycleNation movement. The efforts will culminate on May 9, 2026 at Estrella, a master-planned community in Goodyear, AZ, where teams of 2-8 will ride to raise awareness and funds to further the work of the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association.

“What’s exciting about the CycleNation movement is, it’s not just a one-day event” said Brislin. “Participating companies and organizations become part of something bigger. We’re not only making a significant impact on the overall health of our community through our fundraising efforts but, this initiative is designed to improve employee engagement, wellness and overall workplace health.”

Brislin's leadership builds on the strong foundation laid by the original Chair, Jeff Zimmerman, formerly at Estrella Development Company, whose early vision and dedication were instrumental in launching CycleNation Arizona and positioning the campaign for success. Stroke is the fourth 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]

Estrella is the local platform sponsor of CycleNation. For more information about the Phoenix CycleNation campaign or to get your company involved, visit cyclenation.org/phoenix or contact PhoenixHW@heart.org.

###

About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

Media Inquiries:

Satara Tinkler; Satara.tinkler@heart.org