Skip to main content

About Clots
Patient Resources
Health Professionals
News
Get Involved
Advocacy
About Us
Programs & Services
- Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast
Shop
Contact Us

MENUMENU

About Us
Programs & Services
Contact Us
Shop

Search for:

MENUMENU

About Clots
Patient Resources
Health Professionals
News
Get Involved
Advocacy
About Us
Programs & Services
- Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast
Shop
Contact Us

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 tpatrikis@stoptheclot.org

Loved One's Story Submission Form

"*" indicates required fields

Facebook

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Your first name*

Your last name*

Your email*

Your loved one's first name*

Your loved one's last name*

Where did your loved one live?*

City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

What is your relationship to your loved one?

(Spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.)

Please share your loved one's blood clot experience*

Did they have any risk factors that may have contributed to their blood clotting experience?*

e.g., estrogen-based birth control, long travel, surgery, hospitalization, etc.

What was their diagnosis?*

e.g., DVT, PE, factor v Leiden, etc.

Choose your loved one's age range when first diagnosed.*

17 or under

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

56-64

65 and above

Which race or ethnicity best describes your loved one? Please check all that apply.*

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian / Pacific Islander

Black or African American

Hispanic

White / Caucasian

Prefer not to answer

Other

Which gender best describes your loved one?*

Woman

Man

Transgender woman

Transgender man

Non-binary

Prefer not to answer

Did your loved one have a blood clotting disorder?

Yes

No

I don't know

If yes, what was their blood clotting disorder?*

If they had a clotting disorder, have their family members been tested? If so, what have they learned from these test results?

How has your loved one's experience with blood clots impacted your life?*

Tell us about your loved one. Feel free to share who they were as a person. What made them special?*

What are your social media handles? (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)

What advice would you like to give to others?*

Clotiversary Date (if applicable)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Upload a photo of your loved one in .JPG or .PNG format.*

Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif, Max. file size: 64 MB.

Upload a photo of your loved one in .JPG or .PNG format.*

Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif, Max. file size: 64 MB.

Upload a photo of your loved one in .JPG or .PNG format.*

Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif, Max. file size: 64 MB.

Upload a photo of your loved one in .JPG or .PNG format.*

Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif, Max. file size: 64 MB.

Consent*

I have read and agreed to NBCA’s Release Form*

I understand that by submitting this form I agree to allow the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) to use the information, photo and or video that I am voluntarily submitting as outlined in the Release Form.

Would like to receive communications from the National Blood Clot Alliance?*

Yes

No

Current News

Centers of Excellence Square

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Named Nation’s First Pediatric National Blood Clot Alliance VTE Center of Excellence™

A new national benchmark in pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) care St. Petersburg, FL – The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA)…

Get the full story »

Vein and Vascular Institute Named Nation’s First National Blood Clot Alliance Community DVT Excellence Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Voorhees, NJ – The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is proud to announce the designation of Vein and…

Get the full story »

Get more news »

Follow us on Instagram

stoptheclot

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

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, cyclists from around the w

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. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned cyclist, it’s an unforgettable way to see the city.

Ride with Team Stop the Clot—sport our signature red polka dots and help raise awareness about blood clots.

Don’t wait! A limited number of charity bibs are still available.
Learn more and register: [bit.ly/2026TDFiveBoroBikeTour](http://bit.ly/2026TDFiveBoroBikeTour)
(or find the link in our bio)

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

Blood Clot Awareness Doesn’t End in March. Marc

Blood Clot Awareness Doesn’t End in March.

March may be over, but the risk of blood clots isn’t—and neither is the need for awareness.

During Blood Clot Awareness Month, thousands of you showed up: learning the signs, sharing resources, advocating for yourselves and others, and helping us reach more people than ever before.

But here’s the reality:

Blood clots can happen anytime, to anyone—and early recognition can save lives.

That’s why knowing the signs and symptoms—and feeling empowered to speak up when something doesn’t feel right—still matters every single day.

🩸 Learn the signs and symptoms: https://www.stoptheclot.org/learn_more/signs-and-symptoms-of-blood-clots/

📣 Keep sharing. You never know who might need to see this.

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

Be the first to hear about events like our monthly

Be the first to hear about events like our monthly PEP Talks, new blood clot awareness and education resources; updates on our advocacy initiatives, and more.

Subscribe to our email list and never miss a beat:
bit.ly/nbcaemail
(or find the link in our bio)

#nbca #nationalbloodclotalliance #stoptheclot

Carrie knew something wasn’t right. After weeks

Carrie knew something wasn’t right.

After weeks of severe pain, multiple ER visits, and being told it was “abdominal pain” or “possible pneumonia,” she trusted her instincts and pushed for answers.

“I believe I've got another pulmonary embolism.”

She was right.

Carrie was diagnosed with multiple blood clots in both lungs, partial lung collapse, and tissue damage. A survivor of a previous pulmonary embolism, she recognized the signs—and advocated for herself when no one else would.

Her message: “Trust your body & demand the proper treatment because your life depends on it.”

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #ClottingDisorder #FactorVLeiden #PatientAdvocacy #ListenToYourBody

🩸 A milestone worth noting: Our support group h

🩸 A milestone worth noting: Our support group has grown to 12,000 members.

While we’re proud of this community, we also recognize what that number represents—more individuals and families navigating the challenges of blood clots.

Behind that number are thousands of stories, questions, fears, and victories—and people who choose to show up for each other through it all.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your experience with a blood clot, this space exists for you. 💙

🔗Join us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stoptheclot/

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSupport

Health outcomes shouldn’t depend on who you are

Health outcomes shouldn’t depend on who you are or where you live—but too often, they still do.

Some communities face higher risks, delayed diagnoses, and less access to care. This is in addition to the fact that blood clots are a leading cause of preventable hospital death in the United States.

That’s why April was designated National Minority Health Month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Awareness is the first step. Action is what changes outcomes.

#NationalMinorityHealthMonth #HealthEquity #StopTheClot

Hazel thought she had the flu. But when she bent

Hazel thought she had the flu.

But when she bent over to take out the trash, she suddenly felt like “a ton of weights” were on her chest. Hours later, she drove herself to the ER, where a CT scan revealed a pulmonary embolism. She was immediately transferred to the ICU.

Hazel had experienced a blood clot before and has now been diagnosed with a clotting disorder. Today, she remains on lifelong blood thinners and continues to recover while navigating ongoing symptoms.

“I AM A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH… MY FAITH IS BEING TESTED.”

Her message: don’t ignore symptoms. What feels minor could be life-threatening.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #ClottingDisorder #PatientStory #ListenToYourBody #WomensHealth

🩸 Blood Clot Awareness Month is almost over—b

🩸 Blood Clot Awareness Month is almost over—but this work must continue.

This March, together, we:
✔️ Reached millions through our Strong Enough to Ask campaign—including a national PSA from Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
✔️ Supported 500+ newly diagnosed patients through our March PEP Talk
✔️ Mobilized advocates in all 50 states—sending nearly 700 messages to Congress
✔️ Met with 50+ congressional offices on Capitol Hill to push for change
✔️ Launched the Community DVT Excellence Program and designated the first site
✔️ Named the nation’s first Pediatric VTE Center of Excellence™
✔️ Reached communities nationwide through volunteer-led awareness efforts
✔️ Shared powerful patient and athlete stories to encourage self-advocacy
✔️ And so much more!

This is the impact of ONE month.

But blood clots don’t stop when March ends.
Every 6 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from a blood clot.

If you’ve been touched by a blood clot…
If you believe this work matters…
If you’ve been thinking about giving...
This is the moment.

👉 Please consider making a donation today: bit.ly/GIVE2026 (link in bio)

#StopTheClot #StrongEnoughToAsk #BCAM2026 #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed wi

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with a blood clot and struggling with the emotional/psychological impact?

Join us for our April PEP Talk: Navigating Emotional Trauma Post Blood Clot: The Symptom Nobody Mentioned

PEP Talk hosts, Leslie Lake and Todd Robertson (both blood clot survivors), will be joined by Leben Tefera, MD, Staff physician, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic and member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis.

Together, they’ll shed light on the emotional and psychological experiences many people face after a clot — and why acknowledging them matters.

🗓 April 14 at 7:00 pm ET
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/AprilPEP2026

#bloodclots #pulmonaryembolism #medicalPTSD #healthanxiety #stoptheclot

🩸 A first for pediatric blood clot care 🩸 C

🩸 A first for pediatric blood clot care 🩸

Children can develop blood clots—and too often, they’re underrecognized. That’s why this matters. 👇

The National Blood Clot Alliance has named Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital the nation’s first Pediatric VTE Center of Excellence™.

💡 What this means:

• Earlier recognition of blood clots
• Coordinated, expert care
• Better outcomes for children and families

💬 “The most important thing for us was to find someone who was knowledgeable and who truly cared. To find a team of experts who not only participated in clinical research, but who also really listened to our family — it has made all the difference for Luka.”

— Emanuelle, Luka’s mother

This is more than a designation—it’s a step forward in ensuring children receive the lifesaving care they deserve.

Read more: https://bit.ly/JHACHPediatricCOE(or link in bio)

hopkinsallchildrens

#StopTheClot #PediatricBloodClots #BCAM2026 #BloodClots #dvt

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, making it the

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight an often overlooked but life-threatening complication in cancer care: blood clots.

Volunteer President and Board Chair of the National Blood Clot Alliance, Leslie Lake, talks about the importance of awareness, prevention, and patient education around venous thromboembolism (VTE) on the NCODA Podcast (Network for Collaborative Oncology Development & Advancement).

Her powerful personal story and advocacy work highlight what every oncology team should know to improve patient outcomes and support.

Listen to the full episode, here: https://www.ncoda.org/resource/preventing-blood-clots-in-cancer-care/

@ncodaorg
#bloodclots #oncology #pulmonaryembolism #NBCA #nationalbloodclotalliance #NCODA

Today, on National Doctors’ Day, we recognize th

Today, on National Doctors’ Day, we recognize the clinicians who go beyond treating conditions to truly *listen, learn, and partner* with patients.

“What drew me to NBCA was its unwavering commitment to placing patients at the center of everything it does,” said Dr. Rushad Patell, Chair of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis (CERT).

“The organization does more than raise awareness. It builds meaningful partnerships between patients, clinicians, and researchers. Since I began working with them, my own work has been truly enriched by perspectives I had not fully appreciated before.”

At NBCA, we believe better outcomes start with collaboration—and we are grateful to work alongside physicians who are committed to learning from and with the patients they serve.

Thank you for all that you do to help stop the clot. 🩸

Read the full article: https://www.rarediseaseadvisor.com/news/national-blood-clot-alliance-close-awareness-gaps-venous-thromboembolism/

#NationalDoctorsDay #StopTheClot #PatientCenteredCare #VTE #BloodClots

National Doctors' Day is celebrated annually on Ma

National Doctors' Day is celebrated annually on March 30 in the United States to recognize physicians' contributions to individual and community health.

Established officially in 1991, this day offers patients and healthcare organizations an opportunity to express gratitude for the dedication, care, and sacrifices of doctors.

On National Doctors’ Day, Tag a doctor who showed up when it mattered most, or drop a comment about your experience below.

#nationaldoctorsday #bloodclotawarenessmonth #BCAM2026 #stoptheclot #nationalbloodclotalliance #doctorswhocare

Lucy is a 3x DVT survivor. Her story started durin

Lucy is a 3x DVT survivor. Her story started during pregnancy, when warning signs were there, but attempts to get them looked into were to no avail.

After an emergency C-section, she had pain in her left leg and assumed it was related to the surgery. About a week later, it got so bad that no amount of raising it or pillows made her feel better — she was dragging her leg.

She didn’t know what a blood clot was, but she knew something was wrong.

At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a DVT, and later with Factor V Leiden and Factor II.

Her later clots didn’t look how you’d expect — no swelling, no redness, no severe pain. It just felt like she pulled a muscle.

Her message is clear: ALWAYS listen to your inner voice or intuition. Don’t wait — go directly to the emergency room.

Read her full story, here: https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/lucys-story-3/

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #DVT #FactorVLeiden #ClottingDisorder #WomensHealth #KnowYourRisk #BloodClots

Recording Available: Join us for an in-depth overv

Recording Available: Join us for an in-depth overview of the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) VTE Centers of Excellence (COE) Program, featuring program VP, Erin VanDyke, PA-C, MPAS and interventional radiologist at NBCA’s inaugural COE, Michael Knox, M.D., FACR.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of preventable hospital-related illness and death. This webinar will highlight the COE program’s standards and designation criteria, key components of high-performing VTE programs, and practical strategies for building sustainable, system-wide approaches to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
Designed for healthcare professionals and hospital administrators, this session will offer actionable guidance on strengthening VTE initiatives, improving quality and safety outcomes, positioning your organization as a leader in comprehensive thrombosis care, and how to become a VTE Center of Excellence.
🎥 Watch: YouTube @stoptheclot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcfk9-LEQTE

Mia never expected nausea and a strange pain in he

Mia never expected nausea and a strange pain in her chest to be signs of something life-threatening.

After being sent home from the emergency department despite severe symptoms, she trusted her instincts and sought a second opinion. A CT scan soon revealed multiple pulmonary embolisms in both of her lungs. Doctors later told her she had been a “ticking time bomb.”

Having taken the combined birth control pill for many years, Mia had no idea she could be at risk for blood clots.

Today, she is incredibly grateful to be alive and is using her experience to educate others about the importance of self-advocacy and recognizing the signs of blood clots.

“If something doesn’t feel right, advocate and seek a second opinion.”

@_banhmia
#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #WomensHealth #BirthControl #PatientAdvocacy #ListenToYourBody

New research led by NBCA MASAB member Dan Witt, Ph

New research led by NBCA MASAB member Dan Witt, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS shows that with the right training and support, some patients can safely manage their own warfarin dosing—highlighting the power of patient education, self-advocacy, and shared decision-making in blood clot care.

On World Adherence Day, it’s an important reminder:
Adherence isn’t just about taking medication—it’s about understanding your treatment, staying engaged, and being an active partner in your care.

Whether your care is managed in a clinic or at home, the goal is the same: safe, consistent, and effective treatment.

Read the full article here: https://www.medpagetoday.com/cardiology/generalcardiology/120417

#stoptheclot #WorldAdherenceDay #bloodclot #pulmonaryembolism #warfarin #Coumadin

🩸 Understanding your care can save your life.

🩸 Understanding your care can save your life.

For blood clot survivors, knowing why your treatment matters makes it easier to stay on track—and staying on track can help prevent another clot.

Today is World Adherence Day (March 27), an initiative led by the World Heart Federation, and we’re highlighting the life-saving importance of sticking to your care plan. This global movement is all about empowering patients to take an active role in their health and “not miss a moment” that matters most.

Because when survivors have clear information, strong support, and open communication with their healthcare team, they’re better equipped to manage their health—and protect their future.

👉 Learn more and get involved: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-adherence-day/

Together, we can turn knowledge into action—and action into protection.

#WorldAdherenceDay #DontMissAMoment #BloodClotAwareness #StopTheClot #PatientEmpowerment #MedicationAdherence #HeartHealth #PublicHealth #NBCA @worldheartfederation

Finley was a healthy, driven high school athlete w

Finley was a healthy, driven high school athlete with big dreams — football, computer science, even teaching himself Japanese.

He had been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden, but no one explained what that meant. When he started showing symptoms like shortness of breath, high heart rate, and difficulty climbing stairs, but his symptoms were not taken seriously.

On October 1, Finley collapsed at school due to a massive saddle pulmonary embolism. He passed away days later.

His story is a reminder: blood clots don’t just affect adults—and too often, the signs are missed, especially in young athletes.

Know your family history. Recognize the symptoms. Don’t be afraid to push and question your doctors.

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #FactorVLeiden #PulmonaryEmbolism #DVT #PE #StrongEnoughToAsk #BloodClots #AthleteHealth #KnowYourRisk

Blood Clot Awareness Month is still here! This 31-

Blood Clot Awareness Month is still here! This 31-day challenge called us to get out, get active, track our steps, raise funds, and spread awareness about blood clots.

Share your progress with us and inspire others to stay healthy and stop the clot. It's also not too late to sign up as a supporter.

👉 Sign up today at https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026 (or in the link in our bio)

Every move and donation you make helps remember the 100,000 lives lost each year to blood clots. Plus, your registration is 100% tax-deductible.

#stoptheclot #vte #bloodclots #BCAM2026 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2026 #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #strongenoughtoask

Load More Follow on Instagram

Keep up with the latest news and events

"*" indicates required fields

LinkedIn

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

First name*

Last name*

Email*

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Clotiversary Date (if applicable)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

First date of your blood clot diagnosis

About Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy

Contact Info

Phone: 703.935.8845
Toll Free: 877.4.NO CLOT

National Blood Clot Alliance
PO Box 825687
Philadelphia, PA 19182-5687

Follow Us

Twitter
Facebook
Email
YouTube
Pinterest
Instagram

Disclaimer

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.