Stroke Awareness Saves Lives and the FAST Way to Spot a Stroke
Every May, the American Heart Association® recognizes American Stroke Month to encourage everyone to reflect on the life-altering impact of stroke as well as the power of awareness, prevention and fast action when every minute matters.
Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s mission because stroke is more than a statistic. People all over the country, including some of our team members, have been affected by stroke. With the team members we spoke to, there was one common thread: the importance of recognizing signs early, seeking care quickly and prioritizing recovery. Read three Pilot team members’ stories as a reminder of why Stroke Month matters and learn to spot the signs of a stroke.
Acting Quickly Changed Everything
Joanna Lujan, travel center general manager of Pilot #1143, Odessa, Texas, has seen her sister Rosemary Tarango experience two strokes, each reinforcing the importance of quick action.
The first occurred while the sisters were shopping and Rosemary suddenly didn’t feel well. Joanna listened as Rosemary described tunnel vision and lightheadedness, and then she began to slur her words. Recognizing the warning signs, Joanna immediately called 911. Doctors confirmed that swift medical intervention helped Rosemary prevent paralysis.
A few months later, Rosemary experienced another stroke, this time at church. She became shaky and once again began to slur her words. Emergency services were called, and she was rushed to the hospital. With Joanna and other family supporting her, Rosemary continues her healing journey from the second stroke, working each day toward recovery.
Hope in the Face of a New Normal
For Magaly Carranza, driver supervisor, San Diego lubricants department, November 29, 2024, was a life-changing day. Her mother, Maribel Carranza, suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot in her brain that doctors determined couldn’t be surgically removed, leading to a three-week hospital stay and the start of a long recovery journey.
After returning home, Maribel has had challenges with speech and the ability to eat. Her recovery is a daily commitment requiring many hours of dedicated care and assessment each week.
For Magaly, balancing her career with caregiving responsibilities—for her mom as well as her young daughter—has been a lesson in resilience and the importance of a strong support system. She says that her mother’s strength is an inspiration to her as the family navigates this new chapter together.
A Wake-Up Call Saved His Life
In 2023, Gary Proulx, assistant deli general manager at Pilot #1490, Mason, Tennessee, was cooking dinner for his wife of 38 years, Barbara, when he passed out. Barbara called 911, and emergency responders soon arrived, ultimately enlisting help from the fire department to get him safely to the hospital.
There, doctors discovered a 90% blockage in Gary’s right carotid artery. Even more alarming, Gary had already experienced a series of strokes leading up to this episode, without realizing it.
Gary underwent surgery to remove and repair the blockage. After three months off work to heal, he has made a complete recovery and experienced no lasting effects. Gary’s takeaway is simple and powerful: prioritize health so you can keep living a full life. Get regular check-ups and commit to healthy lifestyle choices before a crisis arises.
Know the Signs: Act FAST to Spot Stroke
Quick action can save a life. One of the easiest ways to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is by remembering the acronym BE FAST.
B: Balance Loss. Does the person appear unsteady?
E: Eye (vision) Changes. Ask the person if their vision is blurred or temporarily lost.
F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
S: Speech. Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding words. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T: Time to call 911. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms go away. Every minute matters.
Recognizing the FAST signs and acting quickly can make a life-changing difference, just as it did in the stories shared here.
Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Stroke Month. By sharing stories and education, we can all play a role in reducing the impact of stroke. Together, we can make a difference.