Home / News / JANUARY E-NEWSLETTER: CONTINUING OUR WORK IN 2021

JANUARY E-NEWSLETTER: CONTINUING OUR WORK IN 2021

JANUARY E-NEWSLETTER: CONTINUING OUR WORK IN 2021

January 19, 2021

It’s a new year, but our mission remains the same. We’re looking forward to our continued work to increase awareness about dangerous blood clots and to help improve and save people’s lives. In 2021, we remain committed to providing timely and important information and resources of interest to people affected by blood clots and clotting disorders.

Events

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Jan. 2026 PEP Talk: How Ultrasound Detects Blood Clots & How to Advocate for One

January 13, 2026

Virtual

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2025 Journal Club Social (1)

NBCA Journal Club

January 21, 2026

Virtual

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Thrombosis & Hemostasis Summit of North America 2026

March 19, 2026

Portland, OR

View event details »

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2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour

May 3, 2026

New York, New York

View event details »

View all events »

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

⏰ Final hours of 2025. This is your last chance

⏰ Final hours of 2025.
This is your last chance to make a tax-deductible gift this year — and a life-saving difference for patients and families facing blood clots.

Every dollar helps educate, support, and protect lives.

💛 Give before midnight → bit.ly/SupportNBCA2025 (link in bio)

Thank you for standing with this community.

Surviving a blood clot is not the end of the story

Surviving a blood clot is not the end of the story.

It’s fear.
Confusion.
Questions with no clear answers.

NBCA helps patients navigate what comes after diagnosis — through trusted education, community, and support when people need it most.

Your generosity makes that possible.

⏰ Only hours left to give in 2025.
💛 Donate now → bit.ly/SupportNBCA2025 (link in bio)

A blood clot doesn’t just affect one person. It

A blood clot doesn’t just affect one person.

It affects children who need their parents.
Partners who need answers.
Families who assume they have more time.

Too often, blood clot symptoms are missed, minimized, or misunderstood — until everything changes.

The National Blood Clot Alliance works to make sure families don’t learn the signs after it’s too late.

⏰ Today is the last day to make a 2025 tax-deductible gift.

💛 Give before midnight to help protect families → bit.ly/SupportNBCA2025 (link in bio)

#StopTheClot #GiveBack #BloodClotAwareness #YearEndGiving

Connection changes everything. After a blood clo

Connection changes everything.

After a blood clot, recovery can feel isolating and overwhelming — especially when few people truly understand what you’re going through. Finding others with shared experiences brings reassurance, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

Your support helps create and sustain these connections, ensuring survivors have access to community — like NBCA’s patient support group — and the comfort of knowing they’re not alone.

💛 Give before midnight → Link in bio.

The days after a blood clot can feel overwhelming.

The days after a blood clot can feel overwhelming.

“NBCA’s Taking a Breath podcast is a treasure trove of information and support.” — Brandon, blood clot survivor

Your year-end gift ensures survivors can find trusted guidance and real patient voices when questions and fears are at their peak.

💛 Give before December 31 and help us reach our $100,000 goal → Link in bio.

Staying active is important, but for blood clot su

Staying active is important, but for blood clot survivors, exercising in very cold weather requires extra care. Cold temperatures can strain your heart and lungs, worsen leg swelling after DVT, and increase fall risk if you’re on blood thinners.

👉 Before heading outside:

• Warm up indoors with light stretches or gentle movement.

• Layer up to stay warm and support circulation.

• Ease into activity instead of starting fast.

• Stay hydrated, even in cold air.

• Choose cleared paths to avoid slips and falls.

If you notice leg swelling, pain, redness, chest discomfort, or unusual shortness of breath, stop and seek medical care.

Winter workouts can be safe and energizing — just listen to your body.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #exercise #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #coldweatherexercise #exercisesafety

“I’ve lost count of how many blood clots I’v

“I’ve lost count of how many blood clots I’ve had. NBCA’s resources have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my journey and recovery.”

For some survivors, blood clos aren’t a single event — they’re a lifelong reality.

Through years of diagnoses, complications, and recovery, Kamisha found ongoing education and support through NBCA.

Your year-end gift ensures that patients facing long, complex journeys have access to trusted resources and a community that understands what they’re going through.

💛 Give before December 31 → Link in bio.

"In December 2019, my left arm started to feel dif

"In December 2019, my left arm started to feel different — heavy, swollen, and uncomfortable. I had been working out at Orangetheory, and thought I pulled something during a workout.

I decided to go to urgent care on New Year’s Eve, and was told I likely pulled a muscle. A week later, it was the same, so I contacted my PCP who recommended an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a DVT in my left arm, and we were all shocked. They started me on rivaroxaban immediately.

I met with a vascular surgeon who diagnosed me with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, an anatomical condition in which the subclavian vein is compressed between the collarbone and first rib, restricting blood flow from the arm and increasing the risk of upper-extremity DVT.

To treat it, I needed a rib removed and underwent surgery in June 2020.

Since then, I’ve gone back to living a pretty normal life — I got married in June 2021, welcomed my first daughter in July 2022, and my second daughter in October 2025, both with no complications. I was and still am very grateful for the best medical team, especially my PCP, who took my concerns and fears seriously, advocated for me, and constantly checked in on me after working hours.

I never knew you could get a DVT in your arm, and every appointment that I went to, I was asked to confirm that the DVT was in my arm and not in my leg!

DVTs don’t discriminate, and they can happen to anyone at any time. I was 29 and in the best shape of my life. I never imagined walking into urgent care that day getting a DVT diagnosis.

I have a visible scar right under my collarbone that reminds me everyday of my journey — and it’s a scar that tells a very important story."

More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots ThoracicOutletSyndrome #VTOS

🚴 The National Blood Clot Alliance is excited t

🚴 The National Blood Clot Alliance is excited to return as an official 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. From first-time riders to seasoned cyclists, it’s an unforgettable way to see the city.

When you ride with Team Stop the Clot, you’ll join one of the most supportive charity teams on the course, sporting our signature red polka dots while raising awareness about blood clots and supporting NBCA’s lifesaving work.

🔗 NBCA still has bibs for the 2026 ride. Learn more and register: Link in bio.

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

Video: Tom Milano (CC BY)

Too many patients leave the hospital with a prescr

Too many patients leave the hospital with a prescription and little understanding of what comes next.

For Rachel, NBCA filled this gap with trusted education, credible resources, and guidance when she needed it most.

Your year-end gift ensures that when someone is sent home scared and confused, Stop the Clot is there.

⏰ Give before December 31 → Link in bio.

Because someone shared Stop the Clot with Jamie, s

Because someone shared Stop the Clot with Jamie, she found trusted information and support when she desperately needed it.

Your year-end gift ensures the next patient doesn’t have to navigate that moment alone.

❤️ Give before December 31 → Link in bio.

#StopTheClot

Blood clots are often missed — not because the t

Blood clots are often missed — not because the tools don’t exist, but because the right test isn’t always ordered.

Ultrasound is one of the most accurate and effective ways to detect dangerous blood clots early. Yet many patients experience delays or are never offered this scan because symptoms are minimized, risk factors are overlooked, or they don’t know they can speak up.

Join our January PEP Talk to learn:

• Why ultrasound is the gold standard for clot detection

• Who are the best candidates for an ultrasound when clots are suspected

• How to advocate for yourself if you suspect a clot, and much more.

Our expert is @julie.at.uum. This session is for anyone with leg pain or swelling, a history of clots, increased risk, or who wants to be a more informed patient.

We hope to see you Tuesday, January 13 at 7 p.m. ET. If you can’t make the live session, sign up anyway to get the recording sent straight to your inbox.

👉 Register: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #PEPTalk #BloodClotWebinar #Ultrasound #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis

"I’ve been in and out of the hospital throughout

"I’ve been in and out of the hospital throughout the year, starting in January, when I underwent surgery to treat a pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

I had been experiencing pain and swelling in my leg, but I didn’t have any symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, like chest pain or shortness of breath. Doctors were shocked when a CT scan showed clots on both sides of my lungs.

Around that time, I was diagnosed with a factor II clotting disorder. To restore blood flow, doctors placed four stents in my femoral vein.

Despite treatment, the clots kept coming back. I was hospitalized again in July for another DVT surgery, and then again in October.

Now, I’m on blood thinners for life. The four stents in my femoral vein have also left me somewhat disabled. I can’t jump or bend my right leg or hip.

Looking back, I’ve learned how critical family medical history can be. I have factor II, and my mother has factor V Leiden — another inherited clotting disorder.

My advice to others is simple but important: know your family medical history. It can truly save your life."

More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #ProthrombinGeneMutation #Factor2 #BloodClots

📚 NBCA Journal Club | Upcoming Session At the

📚 NBCA Journal Club | Upcoming Session

At the National Blood Clot Alliance, advancing blood clot awareness and education means staying at the forefront of research.

That’s why we launched NBCA’s virtual Journal Club, a forum that highlights impactful thrombosis and thrombophilia research and features direct discussion with manuscript authors and leading experts. While designed for healthcare professionals, these sessions are open to anyone interested in blood clots.

🗓 Tuesday, January 21

⏰ 3–4 p.m. ET | Zoom

🔍 Focus Article: Antithrombin Testing and Treatment in Pregnancy: Their Real-World Relationship to Clinical Outcomes (Published in Thrombosis Research, September 2024)

This session will review key findings and explore their implications for clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in pregnancy.

👉 Register: Link in bio.

#stoptheclot #nbcajounalclub #bloodclots #antithrombintesting #pregnancy #bloodcloteducation

💼 Strategic Giving Alert 💼 New federal tax r

💼 Strategic Giving Alert 💼 New federal tax rules taking effect in 2026 may change how much of your charitable giving is deductible — particularly for donors with higher taxable income.

For those who may be affected, making gifts before December 31, 2025 could mean a greater tax benefit while advancing the causes you care about most.

And for all donors, year-end planning is a powerful way to maximize impact. Options like bunching donations, using donor-advised funds, or taking advantage of employer matches can help your generosity go even further.

No matter how or how much you give, thoughtful planning helps ensure your support creates the greatest possible impact — for you and for our mission.

Learn more → Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #YearEndGiving #SmartGiving #Philanthropy #FinancialPlanning #BloodClotAwareness #FederalTaxRules

❤️‍🩹 Dan survived his pulmonary embolism,

❤️‍🩹 Dan survived his pulmonary embolism, but survival was only the beginning.

When he left the ICU, he had little information and no clear picture of what recovery would involve. His right lung was still collapsed, and even walking across a room left him struggling to breathe. People questioned his handicap pass because he “looked fine,” even though blood clots — and their lasting effects — are often invisible.

The emotional toll followed. Nightmares, PTSD, and a constant fear of recurrence became part of daily life.

Searching for answers, Dan found the National Blood Clot Alliance. Through NBCA’s education and support community, he learned what had happened, what recovery could look like, and how to manage fear and advocate for his care. Just as importantly, he found people who understood.

That support helped Dan begin to heal — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and gave him purpose.

Today, Dan is a volunteer, advocate, and member of NBCA’s Board of Directors, working to ensure no one faces blood clots alone.

This is the power of community and awareness, and it’s made possible by supporters like you. Your donation helps survivors find answers, families navigate fear, and lives be saved.

💛 Your donation helps survivors find answers, families navigate fear, clinicians recognize the signs — and prevents tragedies before they happen.

Donate: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotSurvivor

"On December 15, 2022, I sprained my ankle and was

"On December 15, 2022, I sprained my ankle and was checked at urgent care for a possible break. I was told that I had no break, but that I should not put any weight on my ankle for five days.

After that, I was able to put some weight on the ankle, but I started having an immense pain and burning sensation in my leg.

By Wednesday, December 21, our area had an arctic blast with strong winds, and I was having chest pain and trouble breathing. Nothing I did felt comfortable. I went into work on Thursday, December 22, barely breathing and thinking it could be an asthma or chest congestion.

I made an appointment with my doctor for the following day, Friday, December 23, and could barely catch my breath. As I walked into the office, my doctor’s nurse happened to be at the front desk and immediately put me into a wheelchair. She took my oxygen level, saw how low it was, and wheeled me back.

My doctor ordered an EKG then asked for the ambulance to take me to the ER. In the ER I was diagnosed with a DVT on the left sprained leg and a saddle pulmonary embolism.

They transferred me to another hospital and kept me in cardiac intensive care because I was experiencing heart strain. The staff later told me that the severity of the clot and my age of (38) became a teachable moment.

I found out after that I have a protein S deficiency, which increases my risk for blood clots. This, along with my ankle injury, the estrogen-based birth control I had been taking, and my family history of clots, created a 'perfect storm.'

I’ve had to change my lifestyle and habits, and I’ve had to deal with how this affected me emotionally. My advice to others is to advocate for yourself.”

More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #ProteinSDeficiency

Traveling this holiday season? ✈️🚗 Here’s

Traveling this holiday season? ✈️🚗 Here’s how to lower your risk of blood clots.

Long periods of sitting — on planes, trains, or in cars — can increase clot risk, especially if you’re pregnant, recently had surgery, have cancer, or a personal/family history of blood clots.

Protect yourself while traveling:

✔️ Stay hydrated

✔️ Get up and move every few hours

✔️ Do simple leg exercises in your seat

✔️ Wear properly fitted compression socks

✔️ If you take blood thinners, wear a medical alert and don’t forget to pack your meds

Happy holidays and travel safely!

#stoptheclot #holidaytravel #bloodclotprevention #vteprevention #dvtprevention #dvt #deepveinthrombosis #economyclasssyndrome #bloodclotawareness

🎀 Everyone at the National Blood Clot Alliance

🎀 Everyone at the National Blood Clot Alliance wishes you and your family a holiday season filled with love, light, and healing. We’re grateful to be part of a community that supports one another through every season, and we send our best wishes for comfort, peace, and hope in the year ahead. 🎀

"I had a pulmonary embolism on September 10, 2025

"I had a pulmonary embolism on September 10, 2025 at 24 years old.

A couple weeks before, I noticed the left side of my back and neck were hurting. I thought I was just sore from Pilates so I took ibuprofen and didn't think much about it.

On September 5, I got engaged in Las Vegas. I flew home to Oklahoma on September 7, and two days later I woke up with horrible pain in my left shoulder. Again, I convinced myself I had pulled a muscle. I went about my day like normal—work, Pilates, then home.

That night, when I tried to lie on the couch, I screamed in pain. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I thought I was having a heart attack.

My fiancé rushed me to the ER. After multiple tests, I was diagnosed with blood clots in my legs (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) and lungs (pulmonary embolism.)

I was transferred to a heart hospital, where I had an emergency thrombectomy to remove the clots. By the grace of God, I survived—but my surgeon told me I was one of the luckiest pulmonary embolism patients he had ever seen. Many people don’t make it.

Many many people die from them every day, so I consider myself insanely lucky.

I was later diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disorder that increases the risk for blood clots. My grandmother also passed away from a blood clot in her brain.

Today, I take blood thinners, get up from my office desk every hour to walk around, and wear compression socks.

Please be aware and don’t brush off symptoms like I did. I was incredibly lucky—but not everyone is."

👉 More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #AntiphospholipidSyndrome #APS #PE #DVT

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