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Patient Portrait

In this short video, NBCA Board Member Maury Lieberman shares his personal story about cancer and blood clots.

Learn more about cancer and blood clots here: Cancer and Blood Clots

Learn about the risk factors for blood clots here: Blood Clot Risk Factors

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Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Named Nation’s First Pediatric National Blood Clot Alliance VTE Center of Excellence™

A new national benchmark in pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) care St. Petersburg, FL – The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA)…

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Vein and Vascular Institute Named Nation’s First National Blood Clot Alliance Community DVT Excellence Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Voorhees, NJ – The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is proud to announce the designation of Vein and…

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis & treatments to #stoptheclot. Submit your story @ link below ⬇️ Our podcast: Taking a Breath 🎙️

In this episode of Taking a Breath, Comedian Kelly

In this episode of Taking a Breath, Comedian Kelly MacFarland shares her experience as a blood clot survivor and how a simple request in an improv class could very well have been the thing that saved her life.

This conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community on the journey to shaping the future of blood clot awareness.

Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Kelly MacFarland
https://www.kellymacfarland.com/
@kellymacfarland
#bloodclotsurvivor #pulmonaryembolism #stoptheclot #healthanxiety

🙏Thank you to everyone who joined our April PEP

🙏Thank you to everyone who joined our April PEP Talk on Navigating Emotional Trauma Post Blood Clot: The Symptom Nobody Mentioned.

This was our largest PEP Talk ever, with nearly 1,000 people registered—a powerful reminder of the critical importance of this topic, which is frequently overlooked.
📊 In our live poll, only 2.5% of attendees said their doctor talked with them about the potential mental health impact at diagnosis.

Yet we know from NBCA’s CLUES study that 75% of patients report feeling moderately anxious or depressed after a blood clot.

💔 The emotional impact is real.
💬 The conversation is often missing.

We were honored to be joined by Dr. Leben Tefera, MD and Karen Hurley, PhD to help bring this often-overlooked part of recovery into the open—and talk about what support can look like.

🎥 Watch the full recording here: bit.ly/april2026peptalk
or find the link in our bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #dvt #pulmonaryembolism #nbca #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor

🚨 NEW SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT – JOIN US TONIGHT

🚨 NEW SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT – JOIN US TONIGHT

Karen Hurley, PhD, Senior Clinical Health Psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, will be joining tonight’s PEP Talk panel. Together, we’ll explore the emotional impact of blood clot recovery—and what support can look like.

With 25+ years of experience helping patients navigate coping, resilience, and emotional recovery after medical trauma, Dr. Hurley brings a powerful and deeply needed perspective to this conversation.

For many blood clot survivors, recovery isn’t just physical—it can affect how you work, move, and show up in everyday life.

Yet the emotional toll is rarely talked about.

That’s exactly what we’re addressing in tonight’s session:

Navigating Emotional Trauma Post Blood Clot: The Symptom Nobody Mentioned

Dr. Hurley will join:

🩺 Leben Tefera, MD, – Vascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic

🎙 Your PEP Talk hosts: Leslie Lake and Todd Robertson, both PE survivors

Together, we’ll explore the emotional and psychological realities after a clot—and what support can look like.

🗓 Tonight | April 14 at 7:00 pm ET

🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/AprilPEP2026

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #DVT #HealthAnxiety #MedicalPTSD #ChronicIllness #PatientSupport

FINAL DAYS TO REGISTER! 🚴 The National Blood C

FINAL DAYS TO REGISTER!

🚴 The National Blood Clot Alliance is a proud charity partner of the 2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour, presented by Bike New York.

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, cyclists from around the world will take on a once-a-year experience: riding 40 car-free miles through all five boroughs of New York City. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned cyclist, it’s an unforgettable way to see the city.

Ride with Team Stop the Clot—sport our signature red polka dots and help raise awareness about blood clots.

Don’t wait! A limited number of charity bibs are still available.
Learn more and register: bit.ly/2026TDFiveBoroBikeTour
(or find the link in our bio)

#StopTheClot #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #BikeNewYork #BloodClotAwareness #TeamStopTheClot #nationalbloodclotalliance @bikenewyork

Have you or a loved one struggled to get back to “normal” after a blood clot?

It’s more common than people realize. The NBCA-led CLUES Study—the largest survey ever conducted on the mental health impact on blood clot survivors—found that 75% of patients reported feeling moderately anxious or depressed, and more than half reported problems with their usual daily activities after their diagnosis.

For many, recovery isn’t just physical—it can affect how you work, move, and show up in everyday life.

These challenges are often closely tied to the emotional impact of a blood clot—but that part of recovery is rarely talked about.

Join us for our April PEP Talk: Navigating Emotional Trauma Post Blood Clot: The Symptom Nobody Mentioned

We’ll be joined by Dr. Leben Tefera, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic and member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis, to explore the emotional and psychological realities many people face after a clot—and why they matter.

🗓 April 14 at 7:00 pm ET

🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/AprilPEP2026

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #DVT #HealthAnxiety #MedicalPTSD #ChronicIllness #PatientSupport

Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) Black

Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17)

Black Maternal Health Week reminds us that every mother deserves care that is Rooted in Justice & Joy.

But it’s important to acknowledge the reality:
Black women in the U.S. are significantly more likely to experience serious pregnancy-related complications—including dangerous blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which remain leading causes of maternal death.

Many of these outcomes are preventable—but too often, warning signs are missed or concerns are not heard.

At the National Blood Clot Alliance, we’re working to change that.
🩸 Raising awareness of blood clot risks during pregnancy and postpartum
🩸 Sharing signs and symptoms that should never be ignored
🩸 Amplifying Black voices and experiences

🔗 Learn more about blood clot risks during and after pregnancy: https://www.stoptheclot.org/spreadtheword/pregnancy/

#BMHW26 #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #RootedInJusticeAndJoy #StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity

Practice-changing research just announced at Socie

Practice-changing research just announced at Society of Interventional Radiology!

This morning, Suresh Vedantham, M.D. — Principal Investigator of the C-TRACT Trial and a valued member of NBCA’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) — presented C-TRACT results and announced publication in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The C-TRACT trial brings new insight into the treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome—an area with significant impact on long-term patient outcomes.

We’re proud that NBCA is a co-author on this important work advancing patient-centered care.

🔗 Read the paper and explore the findings: https://bit.ly/NEMJ-CTRACT

#SIR2026 #SIR26TOR #StopTheClot #PostThromboticSyndrome #CTRACT
@sirspecialists @uwsomwwami

She thought it was just a cough. But within days,

She thought it was just a cough.

But within days, she was in the ICU fighting for her life with massive blood clots in both lungs.

Blood clots can escalate quickly—and symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue shouldn’t be ignored.

At the National Blood Clot Alliance, we share real patient stories to raise awareness and help others recognize the signs.

➡️ Read her full story at the link in bio
➡️ Share your story to help others

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #KnowTheSigns #PatientAdvocacy

NBCA ADVOCACY NEWS: The Blake Burgess Blood Clot P

NBCA ADVOCACY NEWS: The Blake Burgess Blood Clot Prevention Act (HB 3644) passed the Oklahoma Senate committee 9-0. NINE to ZERO on April 8th.

Blake Burgess was 21 years old when a blood clot took his life. This bill — his legacy — would require Oklahoma hospitals to screen patients for VTE risk and train staff to respond.

Next stop: the full Senate floor. Then Governor Stitt’s desk.

In Oklahoma? Tell your Senator to #VoteYesForBlake https://www.stoptheclot.org/blake-burgess-blood-clot-bill/

We’re almost there. 💙 #BlakeBurgessBloodClotPrevention #StopTheClot #OklahomaBloodClotPrevention #HB3644 #VoteYesForBlake

She thought it was just a sinus headache—until i

She thought it was just a sinus headache—until it became something far more serious.

Stories like this are a powerful reminder that blood clots don’t always look the way we expect. Persistent symptoms, confusion, or sudden changes in your body are worth paying attention to—and advocating for.

At the National Blood Clot Alliance, we’re committed to sharing real patient experiences to help others recognize the signs and feel empowered to speak up.

➡️ Read Jenna’s full story and learn more at the link in our bio
➡️ Have a story of your own? We invite you to share it and help raise awareness

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #CVST #PatientAdvocacy #KnowTheSigns #WomensHealth
@jenna_m_walsh

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed wi

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with a blood clot and struggling with the emotional/psychological impact?
You’re not alone—NBCA’s CLUES study found that **75% of patients reported feeling moderately anxious or depressed** after a blood clot diagnosis. Yet this is often the symptom nobody talks about.

Join us for our April PEP Talk: Navigating Emotional Trauma Post Blood Clot: The Symptom Nobody Mentioned

We’ll be joined by Dr. Leben Tefera, MD, Staff physician, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic and member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis, to shed light on the emotional and psychological experiences many people face after a clot — and why acknowledging them matters.

Date/Time: 🗓 April 14 at 7:00 pm ET
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/AprilPEP2026

#bloodclots #pulmonaryembolism #medicalPTSD #healthanxiety #stoptheclot

💙 Thank you to everyone who showed up for Blood

💙 Thank you to everyone who showed up for Blood Clot Awareness Month and the 100K Reasons Challenge.

Whether you moved your body, tracked your miles, shared your story, or donated—you helped turn awareness into real impact.

We’re especially excited to recognize this year’s challenge leaders (bit.ly/100kfundraisers 👏). Behind every mile logged is a deeper why—honoring a loved one, sharing a personal experience, or helping prevent someone else from going through the same thing.

That’s what makes this community so powerful. This isn’t just about miles—it’s about meaning.

Because of you, more people will learn the signs, risks, and realities of blood clots.

💙 Thank you for being part of this movement to #StopTheClot

#BloodClotAwareness #BCAM2026 #100KReasonsChallenge2026 #StopTheClot

🌍 This World Health Day (April 7), we stand wit

🌍 This World Health Day (April 7), we stand with science.

Scientific research and collaboration have transformed how we prevent, diagnose, and treat blood clots—saving lives every day. From improved medications to additional treatment options and more personalized care, these advancements are only possible because of ongoing research and shared knowledge across the global health community.

At the National Blood Clot Alliance, we see the impact of science through the stories of patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers working together to Stop the Clot®.

This year’s theme—“Together for health. Stand with science”—is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we support research, listen to evidence, and work together to turn knowledge into action.

💙 Join us in standing with science—because it saves lives.

#WorldHealthDay #StandWithScience #StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PublicHealth #Healthcare #VTE #DVT #PulmonaryEmbolism

National Public Health Week (April 6 - 12) reminds

National Public Health Week (April 6 - 12) reminds us:

Good health doesn’t just happen.
It takes action—from policymakers, healthcare professionals, communities, and individuals.

At the National Blood Clot Alliance, we see this every day.
Blood clots affect up to 900,000 Americans each year—and many are preventable.

That’s why this year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, matters. Because when it comes to blood clots, action can save lives.

This week, we’re sharing simple actions you can take to reduce your risk, recognize the signs, and advocate for your health.

👉 Start by knowing your risk: https://bit.ly/AssessYourClotRisk

#NPHW #ReadySetAction #StopTheClot #PublicHealth #nationalbloodclotalliance #nbca #bloodclot #pulmonaryembolism #NationalPublicHealthWeek

@americanpublichealth

Julia was told it probably wasn’t a blood clot.

Julia was told it probably wasn’t a blood clot.

After major abdominal surgery, she developed calf pain and shortness of breath—but because her symptoms seemed “mild,” her concerns were dismissed.

Weeks later, her symptoms worsened until she was short of breath from simply sitting in chair. Finally, a doctor directed her to the ER.

There, doctors discovered multiple large blood clots in both lungs, severe heart strain, and elevated cardiac markers. She required emergency treatment.

Her message: “We are not invincible… Don’t stop advocating for yourself!”

@juliabracewell
#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #WomensHealth #BirthControl #PatientAdvocacy #ListenToYourBody

Chelsey had an idea—and turned it into impact.

Chelsey had an idea—and turned it into impact.

By creating and selling handmade resin lung keychains, she raised $684 to support blood clot awareness, education, and patient support.

The best part?

👉 Anyone can do this.

Whether it’s baking, running, crafting, or sharing your story—your fundraiser can help save lives.

🩸 Start your own fundraiser in minutes

🔗bit.ly/DIYfundraiser2026 (or link in bio)

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #Fundraiser #MakeAnImpact #bloodclotsurvivor #pulmonaryembolism

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed wi

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with a blood clot and struggling with the emotional/psychological impact?

Join us for our April PEP Talk: Navigating Emotional Trauma Post Blood Clot: The Symptom Nobody Mentioned

We’ll be joined by Dr. Leben Tefera, MD, Staff physician, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic and member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis, to shed light on the emotional and psychological experiences many people face after a clot — and why acknowledging them matters.

Date/Time: 🗓 April 14 at 7:00 pm ET
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/AprilPEP2026

#bloodclots #pulmonaryembolism #medicalPTSD #healthanxiety #stoptheclot

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, cyclists from around the w

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, cyclists from around the world will take on a once-a-year experience: riding 40 car-free miles through all five boroughs of New York City. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned cyclist, it’s an unforgettable way to see the city.

Ride with Team Stop the Clot—sport our signature red polka dots and help raise awareness about blood clots.

Don’t wait! A limited number of charity bibs are still available.
Learn more and register: [bit.ly/2026TDFiveBoroBikeTour](http://bit.ly/2026TDFiveBoroBikeTour)
(or find the link in our bio)

#StopTheClot #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #BikeNewYork #BloodClotAwareness #TeamStopTheClot #nationalbloodclotalliance @bikenewyork

Blood Clot Awareness Doesn’t End in March. Marc

Blood Clot Awareness Doesn’t End in March.

March may be over, but the risk of blood clots isn’t—and neither is the need for awareness.

During Blood Clot Awareness Month, thousands of you showed up: learning the signs, sharing resources, advocating for yourselves and others, and helping us reach more people than ever before.

But here’s the reality:

Blood clots can happen anytime, to anyone—and early recognition can save lives.

That’s why knowing the signs and symptoms—and feeling empowered to speak up when something doesn’t feel right—still matters every single day.

🩸 Learn the signs and symptoms: https://www.stoptheclot.org/learn_more/signs-and-symptoms-of-blood-clots/

📣 Keep sharing. You never know who might need to see this.

#stoptheclot #strongenoughtoask #bloodclots #bloodclotawarenessmonth #bcam2026 #vte #dvt #pe #deepveinthrombosis #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #knowthesigns

Be the first to hear about events like our monthly

Be the first to hear about events like our monthly PEP Talks, new blood clot awareness and education resources; updates on our advocacy initiatives, and more.

Subscribe to our email list and never miss a beat:
bit.ly/nbcaemail
(or find the link in our bio)

#nbca #nationalbloodclotalliance #stoptheclot

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