Heart disease and stroke remain two of the biggest health threats facing Americans, including those who spend long hours behind the wheel. This year, Pilot is once again using its nationwide network of travel centers to support heart health research, education, and prevention through its annual Heart Month campaign.
Running from Jan. 30 through Feb. 22, the 2026 initiative encourages professional drivers and everyday travelers to turn routine fuel and food stops into direct support for organizations working to reduce heart disease and stroke across the U.S. and Canada.
A One Million Dollar Goal with Nearly a Decade of Impact
Pilot’s goal for the 2026 Heart Month campaign is to raise one million dollars, adding to nearly ten million dollars already raised over nine years in partnership with the American Heart Association and Heart & Stroke.
Funds raised support heart health education, medical research, and community programs aimed at prevention and early intervention, areas that are especially important for truck drivers who often face long periods of sedentary time, irregular sleep, and limited access to routine care.
A Personal Message from a Stroke Survivor
One of the strongest voices behind the campaign comes from inside Pilot’s own leadership team.
“Heart disease and stroke affect millions of lives every year, including my own,” said Julius Cox, executive vice president, chief people and administrative officer at Pilot, and stroke survivor. “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.”
For drivers, Cox’s message underscores a reality many in the industry know firsthand. Heart health is not an abstract issue. It directly affects careers, families, and life on the road.
Simple Ways Drivers Can Participate on the Road
Truck drivers stopping at Pilot, Flying J, or One9 locations can support Heart Month in a few quick, practical ways that fit naturally into a workday.
In-store options include
- Purchasing a one-dollar, three-dollar, or five-dollar paper heart at U.S. locations
- Rounding up in-store purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout
In the U.S., 100% of proceeds benefit the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign. In Canada, round-up donations benefit Heart and Stroke.
Mobile app option
- Drivers can now donate one dollar, three dollars, or five dollars directly through the Pilot app when placing a mobile order, making participation possible even during tight schedules.
A Thank You Designed for Drivers
To show appreciation, Pilot is offering a practical reward drivers can actually use.
Drivers who join the Heart Month Challenge in the Pilot app and purchase a paper heart in store will receive an offer for a free small hot coffee on their next visit, subject to program terms.
Why Pilot Says Heart Health Fits Its Core Purpose
Pilot leadership says the campaign reflects more than fundraising. It aligns with how the company sees its role in the transportation industry.
“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,” said 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. “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, a healthy diet, physical activity, and regular medical screenings.”
Support for Pilot Team Members and the Broader Community
In addition to customer fundraising, Pilot is providing its own team members with hands-only CPR training, blood pressure resources, and heart health education developed by the Heart Association. These resources are also available to the public through local Heart Association offices.
The campaign is funded through Pilot’s Miles of Good giving program, which supports charitable initiatives connected to community health and well-being.
Why This Matters for Truck Drivers
For professional drivers, Heart Month is a reminder that small actions, both personal and collective, add up. Whether it is monitoring blood pressure, taking advantage of health screenings, or rounding up a purchase at checkout, these steps help strengthen the safety net for drivers, families, and communities that rely on the trucking industry every day.
Additional campaign details are available here, while heart health resources can be found at heart.org and heartandstroke.ca.
Source: The Trucker
