Home / News / Coping With Blood Clots – Pat Koppa, DVT Survivor, Part One

Coping With Blood Clots – Pat Koppa, DVT Survivor, Part One

Coping With Blood Clots – Pat Koppa, DVT Survivor, Part One

September 15, 2013

Pat Koppa discusses her personal story with DVT.

Events

TD Five Boro Ride (1)

2025 TD Five Boro Bike Tour

May 4, 2025

New York, New York

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PEP Square - simple (1080 x 1350 px) (4)

May 2025 PEP Talk: Women and Blood Clots

May 13, 2025

Virtual

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TCS New York City Marathon

2025 New York City Marathon

November 2, 2025

New York, New York

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and successful treatments to #stoptheclot.

For Sherrye Platt, New York City’s 2025 TD Five

For Sherrye Platt, New York City’s 2025 TD Five Boro Bike Tour taking place this Sunday, May 4, is more than a ride—it’s a tribute to her and her brother Scott’s fight against blood clots.

In 2021, it took five excruciating weeks for Sherrye to be diagnosed with a DVT. Three years later, her brother Scott developed a rare clot in the vein between his stomach and liver after hernia surgery. Their shared diagnosis? Two inherited clotting disorders: factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutation (factor II).

Now on lifelong anticoagulants, Sherrye and Scott are determined to raise awareness about genetic testing after a clot and the need for better surgical risk assessments.

This is Sherrye’s third ride with Team Stop the Clot for the Five Boro Bike Tour, and her most personal.

If you’d like to help her reach her goal of raising $1,500 to support blood clot education, awareness, and research, please consider making a donation at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #BikeNewYork #BloodClots #DVT #BloodClotAdvocacy #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotPrevention #BloodClotSurvivor

After a years-long battle with deep vein thrombosi

After a years-long battle with deep vein thrombosis, vasculitis, and antiphospholipid syndrome, Dustin shares how he’s learned to live with less stress and more peace. His journey is a reminder to seek care early and keep pushing for answers. 👉Swipe through to read his full story.

🔗More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis #Vascuilitis #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor

If you’re a woman with a history of blood clots,

If you’re a woman with a history of blood clots, you might be asking: what does this mean for my birth control options?

Hormones play an important role in blood clot risk, and some types of contraception — like estrogen-containing pills, patches, or rings — can raise that risk even further. Knowing what’s safe (and what’s not) is crucial for protecting your health.

Dr. Anna Parks, hematologist with the University of Utah, joins us for the second year in a row to discuss women’s blood clot risks on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

In this clip from last year’s PEP Talk on this topic. Dr. Parks explains that women who have a history of blood clots are at in increased risk if they taken a estrogen-based contraceptive.

We will also discuss:

- How different types of contraception impact clot risk
- Safer birth control options for women with a clotting history
- Navigating risks related to pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy
- Key questions to ask your healthcare provider
- How to advocate for your reproductive and vascular health

Whether you’ve had a DVT, a PE, have a family history of clotting, or have been diagnosed with a clotting disorder like factor V Leiden, this session is for you.

🔗Register: bit.ly/May2025PEPTalk (link in bio)

#StopTheClot #WomenAndBloodClots #PEPTalk #BloodClots #KnowYourRisk #Contraception #BloodClotAwareness #Pregnancy #HRT #WomensHealth #WomensHealthMonth #Thrombosis #VTE #DVT #VTE

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Florida has officially passed t

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Florida has officially passed the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act — the first of its kind in the US aimed at improving blood clot detection, treatment, and tracking.

Named for 23-year-old Emily Adkins, who died of a pulmonary embolism in 2022, this legislation will establish the nation’s first blood clot registry.

The National Blood Clot Alliance is proud to have played a role in this historic legislation alongside the Adkins family, Rep. Dean Black, Sen. Clay Yarborough and others.

Governor DeSantis is expected to sign the bill by June 30.

This is a major step forward and lays the groundwork for other states to follow Florida’s lead in using this legislation as a model to save lives.

🔗Read more at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #EmilyAdkinsProtectionAct #EmilyAdkinsFamilyProtectionAct #FloridaPolitics #EmilysPromise #BloodClotLegislation #BloodClotAwareness @emilyspromisefl

April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Wor

April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work — a time to raise awareness about the health risks people face on the job, including blood clots.

Professions that involve low physical activity and restricted movement — like long-haul truck drivers, pilots, and people who spend most of their day seated at a desk — carry an increased risk for dangerous blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The longer you're seated without movement, the greater the risk.

The good news? Awareness can save lives. Moving your legs regularly, staying hydrated, and knowing the signs and symptoms of blood clots can make all the difference.

Learn more about how to prevent blood clots at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #WorldDayForSafetyAndHealthAtWork #TruckDrivers #BloodClotPrevention #KnowYourRIsk

💔 After developing blood clots, Nick faced frus

💔 After developing blood clots, Nick faced frustrating delays and miscommunication about a serious diagnosis: factor V Leiden. Tragically, he passed away at just 31 years old. Now, his family honors him by raising awareness. 👉Swipe through to read his story, as told by his mother Amy.

Read more stories at the 🔗in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #FactorVLeiden #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFatality

It’s National Tell a Story Day — a reminder of

It’s National Tell a Story Day — a reminder of the power stories have to educate, connect, and heal.

At NBCA, we’re proud to share the voices of blood clot survivors. Your stories raise awareness, spark important conversations, and offer hope to those navigating diagnosis and recovery.

To everyone who has shared their journey with us: thank you. You’re helping others feel seen, heard, and less alone.

Want to share your blood clot story? Do so at the 🔗in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotstory #patientstory #nationaltellastoryday #storytelling #patientstory #stoptheclotstory #bloodclotawareness

💐Springtime is the perfect season to bring peop

💐Springtime is the perfect season to bring people together — and what better reason than to raise awareness about blood clots and support the mission of the National Blood Clot Alliance?

Whatever you love to do — walking, biking, yoga, hosting a backyard BBQ, or gathering with friends — why not turn it into a blood clot awareness event? It’s a powerful way to share life-saving information, support NBCA, and make a difference in your community.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Our event planning guide is packed with tips, tools, and inspiration to help you turn your idea into impact. Use the guide at the 🔗 in bio and start planning!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotAwarenessEvent #BloodClotSurvivor #SpringIntoAction

After a fall and persistent leg pain, Amanda was d

After a fall and persistent leg pain, Amanda was diagnosed with extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Her story is a reminder that swelling, warmth, and pain in the leg should never be ignored. Swipe 👉 to read Amanda's story.

💡If you struggled with your mental health after a blood clot, what helped you the most?

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #DVT #BloodClotAwareness

Raising awareness takes a community—and during B

Raising awareness takes a community—and during Blood Clot Awareness Month and beyond, our volunteers have proven just how strong that community is.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we’re sharing just a taste of the amazing things our dedicated blood clot awareness advocates do all year-round to #StopTheClot.

⭐ Denise and Paul Englert of New York state lost their son, Paul, to a pulmonary embolism in 2013. Thanks to their advocacy, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport launched a public awareness campaign about preventing blood clots while traveling.

⭐ Shannon Harris appeared on WBRC’s Good Day Alabama to speak about blood clots. She also took part in a community wellness fair in McCalla, AL and helped at our B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour stop at St. John AME Church in Birmingham.

⭐Lisa Lane spread awareness at universities in Tennessee throughout March. She visited East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

⭐ Kyle Hussein organized the Texas Youth World Baseball Classic from March 13-16 and distributed Stop the Clot wristbands and awareness resources.

⭐ Chelsey Rice turned creativity into advocacy during Blood Clot Awareness Month by donating proceeds from her survivor-themed resin keychains and pins that she sold in her Etsy shop.

⭐ Egypt Bryant, Tiana Jonas, Mone’ Bryant-Charles, and Alphonso Kenney organized a spoken word event in New York City focused on blood clot awareness.

⭐ Michelle Manimbo, cardiovascular/VTE nurse navigator with AdventHealth Palm Coast in Florida, spread awareness at the annual Palm Coast-Flagler Chamber of Commerce Springfest in Bunnell, FL.

⭐ Teri Stanfield organized a blood clot awareness and community workout event for NBCA’s 100,000 Reasons Challenge at Furman University in honor of her son, Bryce, a student at Furman who died of a PE.

⭐ Visalia Medical Clinic hosted its first-ever Clot Walk in Visalia, CA to raise awareness about blood clots. The event, organized by nurse Andrea Van Beek, also featured a blood drive, educational talks, and support from local first responders.

After days of leg pain and swelling she thought wa

After days of leg pain and swelling she thought was a yoga injury, Alison pushed through the discomfort—even celebrating her birthday. But chest pain and shortness of breath soon followed.

Now recovering, Alison urges others: Don’t ignore swelling or pain. ➡️ Swipe through to read her full story.

🔗More stories: Link in bio!

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #BloodClotAwareness

Attention, women: Have you ever been dismissed, yo

Attention, women: Have you ever been dismissed, your medical concerns downplayed, or felt as if you’re not taken seriously when you describe your symptoms in a healthcare setting?

This is medical gaslighting, and it’s a far more common experience for women than men. In fact, many female blood clot patients report being misdiagnosed or sent home without an exam because healthcare professionals dismissed their concerns, which can result in life-threatening complications.

This will be one of the many topics that we’ll discuss during our next PEP Talk in recognition of Women’s Health Month on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Anna Parks, assistant professor at the University of Utah Division of Hematology and a member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis, is back by popular demand to serve as our medical expert.

Join us for this informative discussion, and bring your questions! Register: 🔗in bio

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #peptalk #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotawareness #womenandbloodclots #pregnancy #birthcontrol #estrogen #menopause #bloodclotprevention

After weeks of swelling, shortness of breath, and

After weeks of swelling, shortness of breath, and pain, Cherryl was diagnosed with multiple blood clots in both lungs. She’s now sharing her story to raise awareness. Her advice: trust your body, speak up, and don’t delay care. ➡️Swipe through to read Cherryl's story.

🔗More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #DeepVeinThrombosis #DVT #Estrogen #Covid #BloodClotAwareness

Last month, @Bucks announced that the team’s sta

Last month, @Bucks announced that the team’s star point guard, @damianlillard, would be out of the game indefinitely after being diagnosed with a DVT.

Now, Lillard has been cleared to return to the game, the NBA announced, and could appear back on the court as early as this week.

The National Blood Clot Alliance wishes Lillard a great first game back and a continued smooth recovery. 🏀💪

Blood clots are preventable, and they can be treated if caught early. Learn the signs and symptoms at the link in bio.

Shara thought it was just muscle strain, but the p

Shara thought it was just muscle strain, but the pain, breathlessness, and a racing heart led to a diagnosis of multiple pulmonary emboli and a genetic clotting disorder, factor V Leiden. Now, two years later, she’s still managing lasting effects but is grateful for the community she’s found. Shara's advice: Listen to your body and do not ignore the symptoms no matter your age.

➡️ Swipe through to read Shara's story.

❓If you've experienced a blood clot, how long did you wait before seeking medical attention?

More stories at the 🔗 in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #FVL #FactorVLeiden #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Season 2, Epis

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Season 2, Episode 8 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from Aaliyah Walker and her husband Brady Arnold, parents of three from the Washington, DC area.

Last September, immediately after giving birth to twin girls via C-section, Aaliyah told Brady: “I can’t breathe.”

She had blood clots in her lungs and heart and fought for her life in the hospital for nearly a month. After her recovery, she posted a TikTok video of her story that went viral, spreading blood clot awareness to more than one million people.

Aaliyah also participated with NBCA on Capitol Hill last month to urge federal backing for blood clot awareness and education, highlighting that Black women experience elevated rates of maternal mortality due to blood clots during pregnancy and within three months postpartum.

Thank you, Aaliyah and Brady, for sharing your story during Black Maternal Health Month and all you continue to do to spread awareness for the entire blood clot community.

Listen at the 🔗in bio or wherever you get your podcasts.

@authentically.aaliyah #StopTheClot #BloodClots #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BMHM2025 #TakingABreath #BloodClotPodcast #BloodClotSurvivorStory #Childbirth #Csection #BloodClotAwareness

After a DVT at 29 and a second clot with a pulmona

After a DVT at 29 and a second clot with a pulmonary embolism years later, Brandon was diagnosed with a genetic clotting condition requiring lifelong blood thinners. Now 37, he’s focused on staying healthy, managing anxiety, and embracing life with greater presence and gratitude.

Swipe through to read Brandon's story and view video version at the link in bio.

If you've experienced a blood clot, did it change your outlook on life?

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #SafeTravel #HealthyTravel #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor #Prothrombin2 #GeneticClottingDisorder #Thrombophilia @brandonrkh

♀️ In recognition of Women’s Health Month, w

♀️ In recognition of Women’s Health Month, we’re unpacking the blood clot risks that women face throughout their lives during our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

Women not only have certain risk factors, they also experience unpleasant side-effects of anticoagulants that may include heavy menstrual bleeding.

But as Dr. Anna Parks, hematologist at the University of Utah and member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis (CERT), explains in this clip from a previous PEP Talk, heavy bleeding on blood thinners can be remedied.

Other topics will include contraceptive choices; medical gaslighting of women in healthcare settings; managing mental health after diagnosis; whether hormone replacement therapy is safe for individuals with a history of blood clots, and much more.

In today’s environment, where women’s health rights are under increased scrutiny, it’s crucial that we all understand how to protect ourselves and make empowered decisions about our health.

We hope you’ll join us! Register: bit.ly/May2025PEPTalk (🔗 in bio)

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #peptalk #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotawareness #womenandbloodclots #pregnancy #birthcontrol #estrogen #menopause #bloodclotprevention #womenshealthmonth #peptalk #VTE #PE #DVT #thrombosis #postpartum

For Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), we

For Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), we’re honored to share Jennifer’s story of survival.

After giving birth via C-section, Jennifer faced life-threatening complications—including a severe infection and a pulmonary embolism. More than a decade later, a second blood clot after knee surgery tested her strength once again.

Black women face a higher risk of maternal complications, including blood clots—one of the leading causes of maternal death in the U.S.

Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the urgent need to address inequities in maternal health.

🔗 Learn more about Black Maternal Health Week at the link in bio.

@blackmamasmatter #StopTheClot #BloodClots #BMHW25 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice #BirthJustice #BirthEquity

As we observe Black Maternal Health Week (April 11

As we observe Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), a new National Institutes of Health study confirms what many already know: maternal mortality is rising—and Black women continue to be among the hardest hit.

From 2018 to 2022, maternal deaths in the U.S. rose by 27%. Black women remain nearly 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes — including blood clots — than white women. And now, the very agencies tasked with saving lives are facing devastating cuts.

Just last week, key CDC staff working on maternal and child health were placed on leave. Funding for critical research—especially in Black communities—has been rescinded. This is happening while maternal deaths are increasing and racial disparities persist.

This is not the time to pull back. It's the time to invest.

Black lives matter. Black mamas matter. Maternal health is public health.

@blackmamasmatter

Read more at the 🔗in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BMHW25 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice #BirthJustice #BirthEquity #BlackMaternalHealth #CDC

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