Woman
Losing My Mom to a Blood Clot Changed My Life Forever: Najma and Iram’s Story
As told by her daughter, Iram. On January 25, 2001, my world changed forever. That morning, my mom wasn’t feeling well. She told us she was having trouble breathing. We wanted to call 9-1-1, but she preferred to wait for my dad to get home and take her to the hospital. By the time they…
My Body Fought to Live, and I’m Living Every Moment: Shytasia’s Story
On June 21, 2020, I experienced a pulmonary embolism. I was at work when all of a sudden my arms went numb and my vision became blurry. I thought was talking to a customer, but there were no words coming out. An hour later, I couldn’t taste or hear and could barely see anything. I…
This Experience Cracked my Heart Open: Diane’s Story
I’m a single, 62-year-old woman and in June 2024, I was diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. This came out of nowhere. I had been feeling down and unwell for a couple of days. I thought it was mostly dehydration. I was able to work from home and was typing on my laptop when noticed…
The Hardest Parts are the Unknowns and ‘What-Ifs’
I’m extremely active, working out 5-6 days a week with lifting and spin classes. Until recently, I have never had any health issues. But for about a year, I was experiencing pelvic pain off and extreme fatigue. I brushed off these symptoms as a result of my age and IUD. In March 2025, I had…
She Knew What Was Happening and Said Her Goodbyes: Kassandra and Danny’s Story
As told by her husband Danny. Just a few weeks after my wife and I got married, after an eight-year relationship and many years of courtship, she died suddenly due to a blood clot. She was a few weeks post routine knee surgery, a surgery that I coincidentally had while we had dated. At 4…
This Experience Has Instilled a Deep Sense of Gratitude: Karla’s Story
On October 29, 2024, I began experiencing persistent pain in my right calf. The discomfort was significant enough that, five days later, I drove myself to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, no blood work was conducted, and the ultrasound performed on my leg was brief and inconclusive. I was diagnosed with a muscle cramp and advised…
Everyone Was Drawn to her Positivity: Angela and Mallery’s Story
As told by Angela’s daughter, Mallery. My mom passed unexpectedly in September 2024. She had been sick for a few days and finally decided to go to the ER. They did scans and found massive blood clots in her lungs. They were about to med-flight her when she passed away within 1.5 hours of arriving…
Everything Can Change in the Blink of an Eye: Courtney’s Story
On September 30, 2023, I was driving up a mountain to a fall festival near my home in West Virginia with my husband and parents when I began having difficulty breathing, and my heart started racing. By the time we stopped, I could not breathe deep enough and almost passed out. I had to sit…
Listening to Your Body Could Save Your Life: Kamisha’s Story
I’ve been living with DVTs and PEs since the age of 15 when my calf pain was misdiagnosed as arthritis. I’ve never taken birth control and, to my knowledge, there is no family history of clotting disorders. I’m now 46, and honestly, I’ve lost count of how many blood clots I’ve had—including a saddle PE.…
I’ve Learned How to Advocate For Myself: Melisa’s Story
I have always been an avid runner. In August 2024, I was training for my seventh marathon when I developed pain and swelling in my left leg. I thought I had strained my calf and did physical therapy, but I didn’t make any progress. I attempted the marathon but ultimately dropped out at mile 8…
