Argosy Foundation Gift Advances Research to Prevent Strokes

The Argosy Foundation made a transformative $2 million gift to the Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health (VCCBH) to support groundbreaking research aimed at preventing strokes in people living with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The gift honors the memory of former Vermont resident Mary Abele and reflects the foundation's longstanding commitment to improving lives through philanthropy. 

Led by Mary Cushman, M.D.'89, co-director of VCCBH, the two-year project is seeking to develop more precise ways to identify people with AFib who are at greatest risk for strokes. Researchers are analyzing blood samples and clinical data from a large national health study to uncover biological markers that could help physicians personalize prevention strategies and improve patient outcomes. 

The gift comes at a pivotal time as AFib rates continue to rise worldwide. By supporting innovative research, the Argosy Foundation is helping Cushman and fellow scientists pursue new approaches to preventing one of the leading causes of death and disability while advancing knowledge that could benefit patients everywhere. 

Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist John Abele, co-founder of Boston Scientific, the Argosy Foundation supports programs that strengthen communities and improve lives. The gift honors the legacy of Mary Abele, whose own experience with stroke inspired a commitment to advancing research and raising awareness about its impact on families. 

“Mary’s experience gave our family a firsthand understanding of how life-altering stroke can be,” said John Abele. “By supporting this research in her memory, we intend to accelerate discoveries that will help doctors prevent these events before they happen—and ultimately spare other families the uncertainty and hardship that accompany these conditions.”