Athlete
I Was Dismissed and Sent Home: Autumn’s Story
I went to the hospital in June 2022 with chest and back pain. The doctor told me I strained something playing softball and needed to lose weight. I was very active in high school and played four varsity sports as a starter. In December 2022, I went back to the ER, where the same doctor…
Be Informed About Your Clotting Risk: Abby’s Story
On December 19, 2024, I noticed that my right thigh hurt and was discolored (purple-ish) but dismissed it, thinking that it was just bad circulation that would go away. Later that night, I felt extremely light-headed, my vision went dark and almost passed out. My mom and I rushed to the hospital because something was…
My Identity As a Lifelong Runner Changed Forever: Becca’s Story
A week after I delivered my beautiful, Covid baby in August 2020, my identity as a lifelong runner changed forever. I was diagnosed with a DVT and admitted to a New Mexico hospital. I felt like my baby had been ripped from me. Covid visitation prevented my husband Dan or my baby from seeing me.…
I Decided To Trust My Instincts: Bethan’s Story
I am a keen runner and I live in a national park in Wales, so I regularly run by myself in the hills. This is my happy place. Last year I ran for Wales for the first time, representing my country doing what I love, which was an incredible feeling. In early January of this…
I Was Diagnosed With Unexplained Chest Pain: Kyndal’s Story
At the end of summer in 2018, I was days away from the beginning of my college soccer career at Furman University. Every day that summer, I was preparing my body physically for the demands of being a college athlete. During my last workout before I left for preseason, I began experiencing chest pain, shortness…
I Was Never Warned About The Possibility of a DVT: Alyson’s Story
In April 2024, while training for a half marathon, I experienced an unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my right arm. I had been consistently running since the start of the year in preparation for a May race and decided to cross-train with light weights for one week. After lifting on Tuesday and Wednesday, I…
I Knew Something Was Off: Sara’s Story
I ran my first marathon in April 2024 and eagerly began training for my second one. I quickly noticed that training was a lot more challenging than usual. I chalked discomfort in my shoulder up to lifting heavy weights in the gym and chest pain up to my sports bras being too tight. My heart…
If Something Feels Off, Get It Checked Out: Emily’s Story
When I went in for hip surgery to repair my labrum — a ring of cartilage in the hip that stabilizes and cushions the hip joint — I was excited. After two years of limited mobility, I couldn’t wait to get back to the active lifestyle I loved. I’d likely injured myself training for triathlons,…
Blood Clot Survivors Can Do Anything: Charles’ Story
In the summer of 2012, I was training hard, running, lifting weights, and eating clean. My goal was to be in my best shape for my best friend’s bachelor party in Las Vegas on Labor Day Weekend. My wife and I also took a trip to Europe. I was running along cobblestone streets and swimming.…
Trust Your Instincts and Advocate For Your Loved Ones: Christian and Leah’s Story
On January 19, 2024, I received a call from my 13-year-old son, Christian. He was struggling to breathe. He’d been unwell for weeks, starting with an unknown virus that had progressed to pneumonia. Just the day before, he was diagnosed and treated in an ER. We took him back, assuming his breathing issues were a…
