Buffalo doctor leads local movement aimed at improving brain health for all

Dr. Fred Archer named chairman of American Stroke Association Buffalo CycleNation

American Heart Association Press Release

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 Western New York companies, communities and individuals to stop the cycle of stroke by raising critical funds to further research and education through CycleNation.

“Stroke and heart disease affects all of us in Western New York, regardless of your age or background,” said Dr. Fred Archer, 2024 Buffalo CycleNation chairman. “Making more people aware of the treatment and prevention of stroke and heart disease not only changes lives, it changes worlds. For a family, a child, a parent, a grandparent, aunt or uncle may be their whole world. If we can reach and teach more people throughout the broad and diverse Western New York community, how many more worlds will we change? That's what CycleNation 2024 is all about.”

As the 2024 CycleNation chairman, Dr. Fred Archer, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and association dean and director of admissions for Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at SUNY at Buffalo, will lead a team of top WNY executives who will work to recruit companies and organizations to take part in the CycleNation movement. The efforts will culminate on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse, next to Highmark Stadium, where teams of four 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,” Archer said. “Participating companies and organizations become part of something bigger. We’re not only making a significant impact on the overall health of the entire Western New York Community through our fundraising efforts, but this initiative is designed to improve employee engagement, wellness and overall workplace health.”

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of disability in older adults. Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. While approximately 80% of those who have a stroke will survive, the majority of these will have 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 (per U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.)

“For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy communities,” Archer said. “The vital funding raised through CycleNation has helped people improve their health while funding research to eradicate stroke and heart disease. With each push of the pedal, CycleNation saves lives. And we’re just getting started.”

Buffalo CycleNation is sponsored by the Buffalo Bills, Kaleida Health, Crunch Fitness and Buffalo Healthy Living and WGRZ. For more information about the Buffalo CycleNation campaign or to get your company involved, visit CycleNation.org/Buffalo.

More 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 on Facebook and X/Twitter.

More 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.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.