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Home / Share Your Loved One’s Blood Clot Story

Share Your Loved One’s Blood Clot Story

About 100,000 Americans die every year from blood clots, and their lives deserve to be remembered and celebrated. If you have a loved one who has experienced a fatal pulmonary embolism, we would be honored to share their story.

Questions? Contact jlawson@stoptheclot.org

Loved One's Story Submission Form

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Current News

Breaking News Instagram Post (2)

National Blood Clot Alliance Applauds New Multi-Society Clinical Guidelines for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) celebrates a landmark moment in cardiovascular health as the American Heart Association…

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silver MVP football trophy

From Blood Clot Survivor to Super Bowl LX MVP: Kenneth Walker III

Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'_84Wu26aQt538XHr58seWg',sig:'JV7VGDLgjtT3MX-9BaerPAExmv0dQbI8ZnsTslUaLOs=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2260618176',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); The National Blood Clot Alliance congratulates Kenneth Walker III and the entire…

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

Big news for the blood clot community ❤️ The

Big news for the blood clot community ❤️

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have released the 2026 Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults — a major step forward in improving PE diagnosis and treatment.

We’re proud that Julie Partridge, Vice Chair of the National Blood Clot Alliance Board and a PE survivor, served on the peer review committee — helping ensure the patient voice was represented.

Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of preventable hospital death. Evidence-based, unified guidance like this saves lives.

🔗 Read more at the link in bio.

@american_heart @americancollegeofcardiology @dr_julie_partridge

#PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #CardiovascularHealth #PatientCenteredCare #StopTheClot

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “Strong Enough to Ask.”
It challenges the idea that strength means ignoring symptoms or pushing through discomfort. Instead, this campaign emphasizes recognizing when something doesn’t feel right, trusting your instincts, and speaking up before a blood clot becomes life-threatening.

We invite you to use our 2026 Blood Clot Awareness Month Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to meet people where they are, offering clear, practical ways to learn about blood clots and take action in support of Blood Clot Awareness Month throughout March.

You don’t need to do everything. Choose one or more ways to engage that fit your role, your time, and your comfort level — every action makes a difference.

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

Blood clots don’t just happen in the legs or lun

Blood clots don’t just happen in the legs or lungs.

In this clip from our recent PEP Talk, Stephan Moll explains several uncommon clot locations, including:

- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)
- Jugular vein clots
- Retinal vein clots
- Thoracic outlet syndrome–related arm clots
- Abdominal clots

These unusual clot locations often present with confusing or misdiagnosed symptoms — leading to delayed treatment.

In the full session, Dr. Moll also covers:
• Symptoms that are frequently overlooked
• When to push for imaging — and which tests are needed
• Risk factors for atypical clots
• How to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right

🎥 Watch the full recording here: https://www.stoptheclot.org/pep-media/ (link in bio)

Awareness can make all the difference.

#bloodclot #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotsurvivor #nbca #stoptheclot

🌟 Honoring Dr. Charles Richard Drew during Blac

🌟 Honoring Dr. Charles Richard Drew during Black History Month 🌟

Dr. Charles Richard Drew was a pioneering physician and scientist whose groundbreaking research laid the foundation for modern blood banking.

His innovations in blood plasma storage and preservation made large-scale blood transfusions possible, saving countless lives during World War II and shaping emergency medicine for generations to come.

As the first director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank, he helped build systems still used today. He also courageously challenged the racist practice of segregating blood by race, using science to confront injustice.

Dr. Drew’s legacy lives on in transfusion medicine, emergency care, and the ongoing fight for equity in healthcare.

Pam thought she was just tired. By that night, she

Pam thought she was just tired.
By that night, she had nearly died — twice.

At 71, Pam survived a massive saddle pulmonary embolism with no warning signs. No leg pain. No swelling. No cramps. It just happened.

Life-flighted from her rural community. Emergency thrombectomy. A second code blue.

Today, she lives with deep gratitude for every single day — and wants others to know the signs and risks of blood clots.

👉 Swipe to read her story.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to read the full patient story, explore others, and share your own experience.

Your story could save a life.

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #ClotSurvivor #PatientStory #Thrombectomy #StopTheClotStory

The world feels a little less bright without the w

The world feels a little less bright without the wit and warmth of Catherine O’Hara. 🕊️ From SCTV to the iconic Moira Rose, she taught us how to find joy in the absurd.

But her passing on January 30 has brought a hidden danger to light. While we remember her laughter, we must also heed the lesson of her loss: Catherine died of a pulmonary embolism (blood clot) linked to her private battle with rectal cancer.

The reality is sobering:

Blood clots are the 2nd leading cause of death for cancer patients.
1 in 5 people with cancer will develop a clot.
100,000 people die from pulmonary embolisms every year.
Cancer can make the blood “sticky,” and treatments like chemo increase the risk. But these tragedies are often preventable if we know what to look for.

Know the Signs: ⚠️ Swelling, pain, or redness in one limb (DVT) ⚠️ Sudden shortness of breath or sharp chest pain (PE)

Honor Catherine’s legacy by getting educated. March is Blood Clot Awareness Month. Don’t let a clot be a silent threat.

🔗 Link in bio to read the full story #CatherineOHara #StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #CancerSupport #MoiraRose

🚶‍♀️🏃‍♂️🚴 Registration is now

🚶‍♀️🏃‍♂️🚴 Registration is now OPEN for the 100,000 Reasons Challenge!

Every year, more than 100,000 lives are lost in the U.S. to blood clots—many of them preventable.
That’s why 100,000 matters.

This March, during Blood Clot Awareness Month, we’re moving with purpose to reach three bold goals:
🟣 100,000 miles moved
🟣 $100,000 raised
🟣 100,000 people reached with life-saving blood clot education
All in support of one mission: stopping blood clots before it’s too late.

The 100,000 Reasons Challenge invites you to walk, run, roll, or ride—while raising awareness, funding critical education, and sparking conversations that lead to earlier diagnosis and prevention.

💜 New this year: You can also join as a Fan/Fundraiser—no miles required. If movement isn’t accessible or life is just too full right now, you can still make a powerful impact by fundraising, sharing resources, and cheering others on.

Every mile. Every dollar. Every share matters.

👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026 (link in bio)

#100000Reasons #StopTheClot #BCAM2026 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #MoveToStopTheClot #StrongEnoughToAsk

⏰ Happening tomorrow! Blood clots don’t alway

⏰ Happening tomorrow!

Blood clots don’t always look the way we expect—and when they show up in uncommon places, symptoms are often missed or dismissed, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis.

Join us tomorrow night for our February PEP Talk with Dr. Stephan Moll, internationally recognized blood clot expert and hematologist, as he breaks down what patients and caregivers need to know about uncommon blood clots.

We’ll cover:

• Where atypical clots can occur
• Symptoms that are often overlooked
• When imaging matters—and which tests to ask for
• Risk factors for uncommon clots
• How to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right

📅 Tuesday, February 10
🕖 7 p.m. ET
🎥 Live + recording available

🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/Feb2026PEPTalk (link in bio)

Because knowing what to ask—and when to push—can save your life.

#BloodClotAwareness #PEPTalk #StopTheClot #PatientEducation #KnowTheSigns
#SelfAdvocacy #VTE

Congratulations to @Kenneth_Walker9 and the entire

Congratulations to @Kenneth_Walker9 and the entire Seattle @Seahawks team on an incredible Super Bowl victory and MVP performance.

Long before this moment, Walker was diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs and told him he'd never play football again.

From survivor to Super Bowl MVP—never underestimate what blood clot survivors can overcome. 🏆

Follow @stoptheclot for blood clot prevention tips and survivor support.

#StopTheClot #BloodClotSurvivor #SuperBowlMVP #SuperBowlLX #Seahawks #BloodClotAwareness

Blood thinners can be lifesaving—but they’re n

Blood thinners can be lifesaving—but they’re not without risk.

In this powerful NBC News report, Leslie Lake, president of the National Blood Clot Alliance, speaks out about how bleeding events tied to blood thinners happen every day—and how many may be preventable with better education and awareness.

The article also shows why safer, next-generation anticoagulants are so important moving forward.

Education. Self-advocacy. Safer options.

All are key to protecting patients.

🔗 Read more at the link in bio.

#BloodClotAwareness #StopTheClot #PatientSafety #BleedingRisk #BloodThinner #BloodClots @lesliellake @nbcnews

🏈 Super Bowl Sunday spotlight: strength beyond

🏈 Super Bowl Sunday spotlight: strength beyond the scoreboard.

Blood clots don’t discriminate — even elite professional athletes can be affected. Christian Barmore the New England Patriots and Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks are both survivors of life-threating blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

As they take the field tonight for #SuperBowlLX, we cheer them on, wish them luck, and thank them for being strong voices for blood clot survivors and families everywhere.

Knowledge is power. Awareness saves lives.

Follow @stoptheclot to learn the signs, know your risk, and consider donating to help us continue to build awareness, advocate for policy, and support survivors. Together, let’s Stop the Clot!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #newenglandpatriots #seattleseahawks @barmore_ @kenneth_walker9 @patriots @seahawks

Today is World Cancer Day, a global moment to rais

Today is World Cancer Day, a global moment to raise awareness, improve education, and inspire action.

What many people don’t realize is that cancer and some cancer treatments significantly increase the risk of blood clots—which are the leading cause of death in people with cancer after cancer itself. The good news? Most blood clots are preventable.

This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” reminds us that every cancer journey is different—and every patient deserves information that helps protect their life.

If you or someone you love has cancer, it’s okay—and important—to ask:
“What is my risk for blood clots, and what should I watch for?”

Knowing the signs. Speaking up early. Asking the right questions.
That’s self-advocacy in action.

💜🎗️ Today, we stand with the cancer community and share resources to help protect lives beyond diagnosis.

👉 Share with a friend, caregiver, or loved one who needs this information.

🔗 Resources in bio.

#WorldCancerDay #CancerAndClots #StopTheClot #PatientAdvocacy #UnitedByUnique

A spontaneous decision to jump into a bouncy castl

A spontaneous decision to jump into a bouncy castle changed my life.

What started as harmless fun ended with three broken bones in my foot. As my body worked to heal from the injury, blood clots quietly formed in my leg—deep vein thrombosis (DVT). I had no warning signs. No pain. No swelling.

Then I began having difficulty breathing. At first, I brushed it off as stress—but over time it worsened, until one day I could barely breathe at all.

That’s when I learned the truth: I had extensive pulmonary emboli throughout my lungs.

The clots didn’t resolve quickly. They took nearly nine months to break down—far longer than expected—and during that time, they took so much from me. A job I loved. Plans I had been looking forward to (goodbye, Eras Tour).

The mental health impact of surviving pulmonary embolisms was the hardest thing I have ever faced. When I tried to return to work, I quickly realized I wasn’t physically or mentally ready.

I immediately felt like I had failed. I pushed myself with unrealistic expectations, and that pressure only made healing harder.

Blood clots are serious and life-threatening—and recovery is not just physical. Your body and your mind both need time to heal, and neither can be rushed without negative consequences.

With the help of supportive therapists, I came to understand what I was experiencing as a post-PE adjustment disorder. I’m now working closely with professionals on a recovery plan, and while progress can feel slow, I see it every day.

A health crisis has a way of amplifying existing vulnerabilities in our lives. As a chronically anxious person, my PEs magnified this condition tenfold. I have a long way to go—but I’m making progress in my healing journey by being kinder to myself and being proud of my body for surviving.

Very few people know about how dangerous DVT and PEs are. Hearing about other people’s stories through the National Blood Clot Alliance has been incredibly helpful in making me feel less alone.

Read more stories or submit your own: https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #PulmonaryEmbolism #DeepVeinThrombosis @mkturnley

NASA trusted him with a blood clot in space. 🚀

NASA trusted him with a blood clot in space. 🚀
Now he’s speaking directly to our community.

When an astronaut developed a dangerous blood clot while aboard the International Space Station, there was no existing playbook for what to do next. NASA turned to Dr. Stephan Moll.

Working alongside NASA physicians, Dr. Moll helped assess risk and adapt treatment strategies to guide care for a patient 250 miles above Earth—playing a key role in the astronaut’s safe return and recovery.

Now, that same expert is joining us for our February PEP Talk.

🧠 PEP Talk: Blood Clots in Uncommon Locations
📅 Tuesday, Feb. 10 | ⏰ 7 p.m. ET

Dr. Moll will help patients and caregivers understand how to recognize—and advocate for care—when blood clots don’t follow the “typical” pattern.

🔗 Register at link in bio or at bit.ly/Feb2026PEPTalk

#stoptheclot #peptalk #bloodclots #NASA #space

"I’m a healthy, active 45-year-old who lives a b

"I’m a healthy, active 45-year-old who lives a busy, active life. In December 2025, everything changed when I was suddenly taken down by a massive blood clot in my leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).

It started about a month earlier with what I thought were calf cramps. They never went away and slowly crept all the way up the back of my left leg. I assumed it was a muscle strain, even though I hadn’t injured myself.

When weeks passed with no improvement, I finally called my doctor. After explaining my symptoms, the nurse immediately told me to go to the ER, as she was concerned it could be a life threatening blood clot. An ultrasound confirmed it. My risk factors included estrogen-based contraception and frequent air travel.

By that point, the pain was so intense I could barely walk. I was sent home on blood thinners and warned that the clot could travel to my lungs. I was told to watch closely for chest pain.

Thankfully, that never happened but for two weeks, walking was extremely difficult. Then things slowly started to improve, and I was able to return to work. My doctor cleared me to travel and attempt the 10K I had signed up for, with very clear instructions not to push myself.

So I went to run with one goal: start the race, knowing I might not finish. I told my sisters (who are much faster runners than I am) that I would only be walking and would go as far as my body allowed.

To my absolute amazement, I finished the 10K. It was slow. My leg swelled some. I never had calf pain, so I just kept moving forward. I was firmly in the back of the pack and this was my slowest 10K, but without a doubt, my most earned. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest victories aren’t about speed, but simply about showing up.

What made it even more meaningful was my sisters. They stayed with me the entire time, never worrying about their own pace or finish times, just making sure I was okay. My leg actually felt better after the race. All that walking seemed to help my circulation.

I’ve learned that blood clots can happen to anyone, and I’m lucky it wasn’t worse."

More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #DeepVeinThrombosis #DVT

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 3, Episod

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 3, Episode 5 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from Florida Senator @shevrinjones, a blood clot survivor who also lost a brother to a pulmonary embolism.

Like many survivors, Jones has lived with the ongoing anxiety and fear of recurrence. This personal experience drove him to become a key proponent of the Emily Adkins Family Prevention Act, which was signed into law in 2025.

It established the Blood Clot and Pulmonary Embolism Policy Workgroup, aimed at reducing preventable deaths from blood clots in Florida through improved screening, awareness, and data collection.

This is a step in the right direction, although much work needs to be done in terms of awareness, he said.

“People are not educated on it,” Jones said.

Thank you, Senator Jones, for sharing your story and helping raise awareness.

Listen to his journey on our website or wherever you get your podcasts: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #ShevrinJones #FloridaPolitics #BloodClots

A severe headache. Vision changes. Difficulty talk

A severe headache. Vision changes. Difficulty talking. Dizziness and confusion.

These symptoms could be caused by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), or a blood clot in the brain. Diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms can be mistaken for migraines, stress, or anxiety.

In our February PEP Talk on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. ET, we’ll discuss CVST and other uncommon blood clots, including how to recognize red flags and advocate for imaging when symptoms don’t add up.

📅 Feb. 10 | 7 p.m. ET
👉 Register: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #CVST #PEPTalk

Florida Senate President Ben Albritton is receivin

Florida Senate President Ben Albritton is receiving care for a pulmonary embolism — a powerful reminder that blood clots can happen suddenly and require immediate attention.

Sen. Albritton has been a strong advocate for the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, advancing lifesaving blood clot awareness and prevention in Florida.

We wish him a full recovery and urge everyone: know the signs, trust your instincts, and seek care immediately.

🔗 Know the signs of blood clots → Link in bio.

🔗 Learn about the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act → Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #PulmonaryEmbolism #BenAlbritton #FloridaPolitics #EmilyAdkinsFamilyProtectionAct

A blood clot diagnosis can turn your world upside

A blood clot diagnosis can turn your world upside down. Questions, fear, and uncertainty are normal, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

NBCA’s New Patient Guide was created by patients, for patients, to help you understand what comes next after a blood clot diagnosis. It walks through the typical stages of the blood clot journey — diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and prevention — and explains what to expect at each step.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a DVT, PE, or another type of blood clot — or you’re caring for someone who has — this guide is here to support you every step of the way.

Download or order copies in English or Spanish: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #NewPatientGuide #PulmonaryEmbolism #DeepVeinThrombosis #CVST

Did you know blood clots don’t only happen in th

Did you know blood clots don’t only happen in the lungs or legs?

When clots form in uncommon locations, symptoms are often overlooked, and diagnosis can be dangerously delayed.

In our February PEP Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Stephan Moll, internationally recognized VTE expert, and professor of medicine and hematologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Dr. Moll — whose work has shaped how clinicians worldwide diagnose and manage blood clots— will break down what patients and caregivers need to know about clots that don’t fit the “classic” picture.

We’ll cover:

• Where uncommon blood clots most often occur

• Symptoms that are frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed

• When imaging matters and which tests to ask about

• Risk factors for atypical clots

• How to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right

📅 Tuesday, February 10 | 7 p.m. ET

🔗 Register: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #CVST #AtypicalBloodClots

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NBCA provides the information and materials on this site for general information purposes only. You should not rely on the information provided as a substitute for actual professional medical advice, care, or treatment. This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any individual. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.