Pilot Rallies Communities to Support Stroke Awareness and Prevention This May
Every May, American Stroke Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing, preventing, and responding to one of the leading causes of death and disability. This year, Pilot is stepping up once again to make a meaningful difference by mobilizing its guests, team members, and communities in support of stroke awareness and prevention efforts.
From April 30 through May 21, 2026, Pilot is inviting guests across the country to take part in a simple yet impactful initiative: rounding up their purchases at checkout. This small act of generosity can make a big difference, with proceeds going toward funding critical stroke prevention and education programs. Participating locations include Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Travel Centers nationwide, making it easy for travelers and local communities alike to contribute to the cause.
At the core of this campaign is a deep commitment to people and community well-being. Pilot has long emphasized the importance of showing care and support at every interaction, and this initiative reflects that mission in action. By partnering with the American Heart Association, Pilot is helping extend life-saving education and resources to communities that need them most.
Why Stroke Awareness Matters
Stroke remains one of the most serious health challenges in the United States. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death, but what makes this statistic even more striking is that many strokes are preventable. Education, early detection, and timely action can significantly reduce both the occurrence and the severity of strokes.
One of the most effective ways to combat stroke is by ensuring that people recognize the warning signs and know how to respond quickly. Time is critical when dealing with a stroke, as prompt medical attention can greatly improve outcomes and even save lives.
A Personal Mission Behind the Movement
For many involved in this initiative, the mission is deeply personal. Adrienne Ingoldt, Senior Vice President of Communications, Risk, and Procurement at Pilot, shared how stroke awareness has directly impacted her own family. As the daughter of a stroke survivor, she understands firsthand the importance of knowledge and timely action.
Her story highlights a key message of the campaign: awareness saves lives. Families who are equipped with the right information are better prepared to respond in emergencies, increasing the chances of survival and recovery. This personal connection adds a powerful layer of meaning to Pilot’s efforts, reinforcing why this cause matters so much.
Recognizing the Signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.
A major focus of the campaign is promoting the B.E. F.A.S.T. method, a simple and memorable way to identify the warning signs of a stroke. Understanding these signs can make all the difference in an emergency situation:
- B – Balance Loss: Sudden loss of balance or coordination may indicate a stroke.
- E – Eye (Vision) Changes: Blurred vision or temporary loss of sight in one or both eyes is a key warning sign.
- F – Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. A simple smile test can help identify this symptom.
- A – Arm Weakness: Weakness or numbness in one arm, especially if it drifts downward when raised, is a common indicator.
- S – Speech Difficulty: Slurred or difficult speech is another critical sign to watch for.
- T – Time to Call 911: If any of these symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is essential.
By spreading awareness of B.E. F.A.S.T., Pilot and its partners aim to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to act quickly and effectively.
Supporting Health Beyond Fundraising
While the round-up campaign plays a central role in fundraising, Pilot’s commitment goes beyond collecting donations. The company is also investing in the health and well-being of its own team members by providing access to stroke prevention education, screenings, and resources.
These initiatives are designed to encourage proactive health management, helping individuals better understand their risk factors and take steps to reduce them. By prioritizing education and prevention internally, Pilot is setting an example for how organizations can support their workforce while contributing to broader public health goals.
Importantly, these resources are not limited to employees. Members of the public can also access stroke education and support by reaching out to their local American Heart Association offices. This ensures that valuable information is widely available, further amplifying the impact of the campaign.
A Continued Commitment to Community Health
Pilot’s efforts during American Stroke Month are part of a larger, ongoing commitment to community health. Through its Miles of Good program, the company has consistently supported initiatives that promote heart and stroke health.
This year marks the second consecutive year that Pilot has expanded its focus to include dedicated fundraising for stroke awareness. This continued commitment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing stroke as a major public health issue.
By aligning its business operations with meaningful social impact, Pilot demonstrates how companies can play a vital role in driving positive change. Whether through fundraising, education, or community engagement, every effort contributes to a larger goal: reducing the impact of stroke and saving lives.
How You Can Make a Difference
Participating in this initiative is simple, but the impact can be profound. By choosing to round up your purchase during checkout, you are directly supporting programs that provide education, resources, and life-saving interventions.
Beyond donations, spreading awareness is equally important. Sharing information about stroke warning signs, encouraging regular health check-ups, and supporting loved ones in maintaining healthy lifestyles are all ways to contribute to the cause.
About Pilot
Pilot Travel Centers LLC keeps North America’s drivers moving as the leading energy and experience provider people rely on to fuel their journeys. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and employs approximately 30,000 team members. As the largest network of travel centers, Pilot has more than 900 locations in 43 states and five Canadian provinces, serving an average of 1.2 million guests per day. In addition to travel center services, Pilot and its partners offer trucking fleets a variety of solutions for fuel, credit, factoring, maintenance and rewards. The company operates the third largest fuel tanker fleet in North America and supplies approximately 12 billion gallons of fuel per year. Pilot is committed to shaping the future of energy as one of the largest providers of biodiesel and renewable fuels and through the development of its EV charging network and low carbon fueling alternatives.
