Pilot Launches Annual Heart Month Campaign

Pilot's goal is to raise $1 million to support the American Heart Association and Heart & Stroke in 2026.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Pilot, the largest travel center network in North America, is continuing its long-standing support of the American Heart Association (Heart Association) and Heart & Stroke to support heart health education, research and prevention efforts across the U.S. and Canada. From January 30 through February 22, 2026, Pilot invites guests to turn their everyday stops into moments of impact, helping fund the fight against heart disease and stroke, the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in the United States.

Why it matters

Heart disease and stroke affect millions of lives every year, and Pilot's campaign aims to raise critical funds for research, education, and prevention efforts to save lives. The company is also committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of its own employees through training and resources.

The details

Guests can support the campaign by adding a $1, $3 or $5 paper heart or rounding up their in-store purchases at Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers. For the first time, guests can also donate directly through the Pilot app. To thank guests, Pilot app users who purchase a paper heart will receive an offer for a free coffee on their next visit.

  • The campaign runs from January 30 through February 22, 2026.
  • Pilot has run this campaign with the American Heart Association for the past 9 years.

The players

Pilot Travel Centers LLC

The largest network of travel centers in North America, with over 900 locations in 44 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces.

American Heart Association

A non-profit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in the United States.

Heart & Stroke

A Canadian non-profit organization that works to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.

Julius Cox

Executive vice president and chief people and administrative officer at Pilot, and a stroke survivor.

Adrienne Ingoldt

Senior vice president of communications, risk and procurement at Pilot, and a member of the American Heart Association's National Life is Why™ Council of Retailers.

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What they’re saying

“Heart disease and stroke affect millions of lives every year, including my own. After overcoming my experience, I became even more committed to taking care of my personal health and encouraging others to do the same. Every dollar raised during the campaign helps fund groundbreaking research and equips communities with life-saving tools and education they need to keep more hearts beating.”

— Julius Cox, Executive vice president, chief people and administrative officer at Pilot and stroke survivor

“At Pilot, our purpose is to show people they matter at every turn and supporting heart health is one of the most meaningful ways we can live out that purpose. We are grateful for our team members and the millions of guests who choose to support Heart Month. We want everyone to live longer, healthier lives through education, healthy diet, physical activity and regular medical screenings.”

— Adrienne Ingoldt, Senior vice president, communications, risk and procurement at Pilot and member of the American Heart Association's National Life is Why™ Council of Retailers

What’s next

During Heart Month, Pilot's team members will have access to hands-only CPR training, blood pressure resources and heart health education developed by the Heart Association to support prevention, awareness and lifesaving action. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting their local Heart Association office.

The takeaway

Pilot's long-standing support of the American Heart Association and Heart & Stroke demonstrates the company's commitment to improving heart health and saving lives in the communities it serves. By engaging customers and employees in the campaign, Pilot is making a meaningful impact in the fight against heart disease and stroke.