Arlington CEO leads local movement aimed at improving brain health for all

ARLINGTON, February 24, 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 Tarrant County to help stop the cycle of stroke and raise critical funds for research and education through CycleNation.  

As 2026 CycleNation chair, Teresa Huffman, CEO of Texas Rehabilitation Hospital of Arlington, will lead a team of top Tarrant County representatives who will work to recruit companies and organizations to take part in the CycleNation movement. The efforts will culminate on May 7, 2026, at Loews Arlington Hotel where teams of six will ride to raise awareness and critical funds that support the work of the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association.   

“Heart disease and stroke have touched my family in life-changing ways, and that personal connection is what drives my commitment to this mission,” said Huffman. “I’ve seen how quickly these moments can unfold and how powerful prevention, education, and support can be in shaping the outcome. As CycleNation chair, I’m honored to help our community strengthen its brain and heart health and work toward a future where fewer families face the challenges I’ve witnessed in my own loved ones and in many patients throughout my career.” 

“What’s exciting about the CycleNation movement is that it’s far more than just a one-day event,” said Huffman. “When companies and organizations participate, they become part of something bigger. We are making a meaningful impact on the health of our community through these fundraising efforts, and at the same time, this initiative will strengthen employee engagement, wellness, and overall workplace health.” 

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. 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 will remain with some degree of physical impairment or disability. The Association is committed to funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources to continue improving these outcomes. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity is linked to lower risk of disease, stronger bones and muscles, and to improved mental health and cognitive function. 

Join the ride! Companies looking to get involved or for more information about the Arlington CycleNation, visit the Tarrant County CycleNation online event website or contact tarrantcountycyclenation@heart.org.  

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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.