Strokes Can Be Prevented

Tech executive Sean Maloney was extremely healthy and about to be Intel’s next CEO, until he suffered a devastating stroke. Against all odds, he returned to work in less than a year. Determined not only to recover but also to stop stroke in others, Maloney cycled across America to inspire fellow survivors and spread the message that 80% of strokes can be prevented.

Maloney’s ride with American Heart Association Heart Across America, didn’t just go straight across the country. To rally and ride with CEO’s, he chose a 5,000 mile route. CEOs and other executives from Samsung, Dell, Qualcomm, Acer, Asus, eBay, Intel, and HP supported him by holding 14 health and wellness events in 14 states. Along the way, thousands heard Maloney’s message and received free health screenings.

The physical aspect of riding 5,000 miles was not the most difficult part. A major crash sidelined Sean for 6 weeks, and one of the lead cyclists passed away. Repeatedly, Sean and the team got back on the road and continued. Maloney’s message to those who suffered strokes, heart attacks or other setbacks is this: «Never, ever give up.»

Maloney’s Heart Across America riders include Olympic cyclist George Mount, members of the Cycling Hall of Fame, CEOs/executives, and local cyclists. They rode the final miles to cross the finish line last Sunday in New York City. The finish celebration honored stroke and heart attack survivors, offered free health screenings and raffled hot tech prizes from event sponsors.

This event will lead up to American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary Heart Ball in NYC (June 16th) at which Maloney will be honored. Maloney, who plans next to ride across China, will be in NYC until June 22 being honored at various stroke centers across the tri-city area and available for media interviews.