Every Heart Matters: Stories From Our Pilot Team Members
Heart disease and stroke are the nation's #1 and #4 killers. But behind those statistics are real people – our family, coworkers and friends. This February, Pilot is supporting the American Heart Association through its stores in the U.S. and the Heart & Stroke Foundation through its stores in Canada* by sharing meaningful stories from our own team members and their loved ones. Because when it comes to heart health, every story matters.
Brian – The Checkup That Changed Everything
Brian had put off his annual physical for three years. When he finally went, it was mostly to check a box. That appointment saved his life.
"My new primary care physician's attention to detail radically changed my life when he detected an audible heart murmur," Brian says.
At 37, Brian learned his heart was missing a chord that helps the valve pump blood efficiently. After surgery and recovery, he’s healthy now, but he often wonders what would have happened if he had waited another year.
Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half. Brian’s story is proof that regular checkups can catch what you can’t see or feel.
Olga and Adelina – Keeping Tiny Hearts Beating
Olga’s daughter, Adelina, was born healthy. But during a routine checkup at four days old, doctors discovered her aortic valve hadn’t developed properly. Their quick action and a lifesaving procedure changed everything. Today, thanks to that intervention and years of careful monitoring, Adelina is a thriving 11-year-old. “This is true with any heart disease, but with aortic stenosis in particular, timing is critical,” Olga shares. “This condition can be silent for years, and feeling ‘fine’ doesn’t mean it isn’t progressing. Monitoring is powerful, and the right timing for medical intervention is everything.”
One in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Advances in pediatric cardiac care, funded by organizations like the American Heart Association, are helping more children like Adelina survive and thrive.
Donnie – The Test That Could Save Your Life
Donnie did everything right – daily workouts, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Yet, at just 48, he suffered a widow maker heart attack while at the gym.
“I thought I was doing everything to stay healthy,” Donnie shares. “I had no idea I needed to get checked.”
Despite his commitment to fitness, doctors discovered a 100% blockage. Two years of recovery taught him an important lesson. “Getting a coronary artery calcium score, a quick, painless scan that takes less than 10 minutes, can save your life or someone you love.”
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on fitness level. Even healthy people need to know their numbers and schedule regular screenings.
David – A Second Chance at Life
David was at work at Pilot Travel Center #722 in Knoxville, Tennessee when chest pain hit. A co-worker found him on the floor of the store.
"I was told I died on the way to the hospital," David recalls. "I had a widow maker heart attack."
Widow maker heart attacks have just a 12% survival rate outside a hospital, but thankfully paramedics were able to save David's life.
After his cardiac event, David quit smoking after 40 years. His story is proof that it's never too late to make changes that protect your heart.
A Child's Fight and a Donor's Gift
Hannah's son Bennett was born with only half a heart, a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At just 6 days old, he underwent his first open-heart surgery.
Shortly after, doctors discovered Bennett had suffered a stroke and brain bleed. By 6 months old, he had endured two more surgeries. The first 10 months of his life were spent in the hospital.
When Bennett turned 2, his family returned to the hospital hoping to complete the second stage of his three-stage surgery. Instead, he needed emergency surgery, his fifth before his third birthday.
"We focused on enjoying our time with him, as we were told he couldn't withstand any more surgeries," Hannah says.
Thankfully, Bennett grew stronger over the next couple of years. Hospital visits became less frequent, but at age 11, doctors delivered devastating news: Bennett needed a heart transplant. Several months later, thanks to an organ donor family’s selfless decision, Bennett received his gift of life.
Today, Bennett is preparing to celebrate his 13th birthday on February 7.
"He has more energy than I could have ever imagined, and his eyes are full of life and light," Hannah says. "There have been a lot of tears but also a lot of laughter," Hannah shares. "I'm forever grateful to our donor family for making a selfless decision during such a hard time in their lives. I'm thankful for our doctors and nurses who love Bennett so very much and I'm thankful for my Pilot family who have been very supportive along the way."
Bennett's story shows what's possible when research, medicine and human generosity come together.
Julius – Trusting Your Instincts
Julius felt a "pop" in his head while exercising. Not pain, exactly. Just something that didn't feel right.
He could have brushed it off, but thankfully, he didn't.
"I felt an unusual popping sensation in my head. I trusted my instincts and got help right away. That decision saved my life."
The diagnosis was a ruptured brain aneurysm, a severe form of stroke. Julius spent weeks relearning to speak and walk. Today, he's fully recovered. He credits his survival to acting fast and getting emergency care immediately.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke symptoms aren't always obvious. Acting quickly on any warning sign, even subtle ones, dramatically improves survival and recovery rates. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, get help.
**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.