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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 jlawson@stoptheclot.org

Loved One's Story Submission Form

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Current News

Summer Campaign 2025 Quotes (1080 x 1080 px)

Federal Cuts Eliminate Blood Clot Education Funding: NBCA Launches Emergency Fundraising Campaign

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is calling on its community of survivors, families, and advocates to help fill a…

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Pro Runner Sage Canaday Named Coach of Team Stop the Clot® for 2025 NYC Marathon

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is thrilled to welcome professional runner and pulmonary embolism survivor Sage Canaday as Coach…

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Follow us on Instagram

stoptheclot

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

Trey Smith, pulmonary embolism survivor and Kansas

Trey Smith, pulmonary embolism survivor and Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman, signed a record-breaking 4-year, $94 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid offensive guard in NFL history.

Smith’s journey is remarkable — after missing part of college due to blood clots in his lungs, he overcame the odds to become a key player and back-to-back Super Bowl champion.

Congratulations, Trey!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #TreySmith #KansasCityChiefs

When federal health funding was cut this spring, N

When federal health funding was cut this spring, NBCA lost a vital partner in our fight against blood clots. The CDC’s Division of Blood Disorders and Human Genomics, which supported NBCA’s life-saving public health education and awareness programs for more than two decades, has been dismantled.

Now, we’re turning to our community to help us continue this important work. NBCA Volunteer President Leslie Lake will match every gift through Sept. 30, up to $100,000 — the largest individual match in NBCA’s history.

Your donation today helps ensure we can keep providing free trusted resources, education, and support for those affected by blood clots.

Donate now to double your impact: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFunding

At 25, while training for the NYC Marathon, Sam th

At 25, while training for the NYC Marathon, Sam thought he had a stomach bug, but it turned out to be multiple blood clots in his lungs and near his liver. After emergency surgeries and seven weeks in the ICU, Sam is focused on recovery and raising awareness that blood clots can happen to anyone.

👈 Read his full story

🔗 More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #BloodClot Awareness

🩸 "I donated because... This information could

🩸 "I donated because... This information could have saved me from almost dying and having lasting damage—I know that knowledge is important. Having NBCA’s Facebook page when I got out of the hospital and returned to work with a whole new life in front of me really helped keep my sanity together." — April from Arizona

Now more than ever, your support matters. Join us in funding life-saving education, patient resources, and community outreach through NBCA this summer. Every dollar you give to the campaign before September 30 will be matched by NBCA Volunteer President Leslie Lake, up to $100,000!

Donate today to DOUBLE your impact and make a lifesaving difference: 🔗 in bio.

#StopTheClot

We’re thrilled to announce Dr. Anna Parks, assis

We’re thrilled to announce Dr. Anna Parks, assistant professor in the Division of Hematology & Hematologic Malignancies at the University of Utah and a faculty member of the Center on Aging, as our clinical guest for August’s PEP Talk on aging and blood clots.

Dr. Parks, who also serves on our Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis (CERT), was recently awarded the @nihgov’s premier career development award, the prestigious Paul B. Beeson Award, to support her research, “Advancing Patient-Centered Decision Making in Older Adults with VTE.”

Dr. Parks will help us understand why age is a risk factor for blood clots and what steps can you take to protect yourself. We hope you’ll join us Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. ET!

🔗Register: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PEPTalk #BloodClotWebinar #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 2, Episod

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 2, Episode 11 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from Jevon Dewand, an artist whose multifaceted career spans gospel, R&B, and rap music, producing, acting, and motivational speaking.

Jevon describes going to urgent care about a pain in his leg and getting diagnosed with a DVT. He was about to be sent home with blood thinners when the doctor asked if he had any other symptoms.

“I said, ‘Yeah, sometimes when I’m going up the steps I can’t breathe,” Jevon said. “She said, ‘What? Say that again.’ I said that I couldn’t breathe, and she said, ‘Go to the hospital right now.’”

When he was told he had five pulmonary emboli (PE), he immediately thought of his brother, who died several years ago of a PE.

Thank you, Jevon, for sharing your poignant story and helping raise awareness. Listen to his journey at the link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts.

@jevondewand #StopTheClot #BloodClots #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #TakingABreath #BloodClotPodcast #BloodClotSurvivorStory

🏅Countdown to race day! In November, Team Stop

🏅Countdown to race day! In November, Team Stop the Clot will hit the streets for 2025 TCS New York City Marathon and their training is in high gear.

Over the next four months, we’re introducing you to the inspiring runners who are clocking the miles, sharing their stories, and raising funds for NBCA.

🏃‍♂️ Kevin Bramble of of Belmont, MI explains why he’s running:

“Blood clots kill more people each year than HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and motor vehicle accidents combined! I have run 30 marathons, including 21 Boston Marathons. I have a history of deep vein thrombosis and I’m on a maintenance dose of rivaroxaban. I actually ran the Boston Marathon not knowing that the pain in my calf was actually a blood clot.”

Support Kevin as he trains for the 2025 NYC Marathon with Team Stop the Clot! 🔗Leave an encouraging comment or donate to his fundraising effort: donate.stoptheclot.org/fundraiser/6225861

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #bloodclots #nycmarathon #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention

Thank you to everyone who joined our July PEP Talk

Thank you to everyone who joined our July PEP Talk on compression, which featured Dr. Suman Wasan of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In this clip, Dr. Wasan explains that compression socks are most effective in preventing post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a long-term complication that can happen after deep vein thrombosis.

Some evidence suggests that compression may also help to prevent DVTs, but more research is needed.

“People do ask, if I wear them, does it reduce my risk of another clot?” Dr. Wasan said. “The evidence points to it, but it’s much more anecdotal because it just hasn’t been studied as well as this (PTS) has.”

Watch the full recording and explore other PEP Talks at the link in bio and subscribe!

Join us for our next discussion on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. as we explore how age affects blood clot risk and steps to reduce it. Register (link in bio) https://bit.ly/Aug2025PEPTalk

(PEP Talk should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult directly with your healthcare provider for medical advice.)

#StopTheClot #Compression #PEPTalk #BloodClotWebinar #BloodClotEducation #BloodClotAwareness

🚨 Pregnant and planning a road trip? This story

🚨 Pregnant and planning a road trip? This story might save a life.

At 30 weeks along, Kayley slept through a 10-hour overnight drive, resulting in a DVT and PE. Pregnancy and long travel both increase your risk for blood clots. Know the signs. Speak up. Keep asking questions. Your life may depend on it.

👉 Read Kayley’s’s full story.

🔗 More patient stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #DVT #Pregnancy

Life after a blood clot can come with questions, e

Life after a blood clot can come with questions, emotions, and challenges, but you don’t have to go through it alone. NBCA hosts a Facebook support group that’s 10,000 members strong where survivors connect, talk openly and support one another through recovery and beyond.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into healing, there’s a place for you here.

👉 Join our community: Link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotsupportgroup #facebooksupportgroup #bloodclotrecovery

💔Iram lost her mom, Najma, to a sudden and fata

💔Iram lost her mom, Najma, to a sudden and fatal blood clot in 2001. There were no major warning signs, just shortness of breath that quickly became life-threatening.

Najma’s vibrant spirit and sharp mind are deeply missed. Her story is a powerful reminder to listen to your body and act fast. With blood clots, every minute counts.

🔗More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #FatalBloodClot #PulmonaryEmbolism

🧠 Did you know your risk for blood clots more t

🧠 Did you know your risk for blood clots more than DOUBLES with each passing decade after age 40?

Aging is one of the strongest risk factors for blood clots—yet most people don’t know the warning signs or how to protect themselves.

In our August PEP Talk, we’ll cover:

- WHY clot risk rises so sharply with age
- WHAT symptoms to watch for
- HOW to take charge of prevention

We’ll also highlight the key role caregivers play in spotting symptoms early and supporting loved ones at risk.

Join us! 🔗Register at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PEPTalk #BloodClotWebinar #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation

🏅Countdown to race day! In November, Team Stop

🏅Countdown to race day! In November, Team Stop the Clot will hit the streets for 2025 TCS New York City Marathon and their training is in high gear.

Over the next four months, we’re introducing you to the inspiring runners who are clocking the miles, sharing their stories, and raising funds for NBCA.

🏃‍♂️ Robert LeTellier of Holyoke, MA explains why he’s running:

“In May 2024, my father suffered a severe stroke caused by a blood clot. The stroke left him with complete paralysis on his left side and both physical and mental disabilities. Before his stroke, I had talked to my father about running a marathon—a challenge I was excited to take on, having only started running in 2023. After his stroke, that dream took on new meaning. I felt inspired to continue pursuing it, not just for me, but in his honor.”

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #bloodclots #nycmarathon #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention

🩸A Personal Message from NBCA’s President 🩸

900,000 Americans are impacted by blood clots each year. 100,000 die. Most are preventable.

While blood clots are on the rise, federal funding for education and awareness has been eliminated. That’s why your support is essential right now.

Leslie Lake, NBCA’s Volunteer President and a survivor, is matching every donation up to $100,000 before September 30. This is the largest individual gift in NBCA’s history!

Your gift today will help fund:

- Life-saving public health education
- NBCA Centers of Excellence across the country
- Survivor-led outreach through our Thrombassador™ program
- Efforts to reach underserved, high-risk populations
- Patient support groups and resources

Every donation matters. No gift is too small to make a life-saving difference.

👉 Donate at the link in bio.

Together, we can stop the next preventable tragedy.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFunding

HAPPENING TONIGHT! Don’t miss our July PEP Talk

HAPPENING TONIGHT! Don’t miss our July PEP Talk on compression TONIGHT at 7 p.m. ET.

Dr. Suman Wasan of UNC Chapel Hill joins us to share the latest guidelines and insights into using compression to manage symptoms after a DVT. 🔗Register: Link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #compression #compressionsocks #bloodclotprevention #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join our July PEP Talk on comp

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join our July PEP Talk on compression!

Compression therapy can be a powerful tool after a blood clot, but it’s not one-size-fits-all.

If you’re new to compression or struggling to find what works, this PEP Talk is for you.

Join us Tuesday, July 8 at 7 p.m. ET for a live discussion with Dr. Suman Wasan of UNC Chapel Hill, who’ll walk us through how to ease into compression safely and effectively.

🧦 Start low, go slow: Learn how to find the right fit, pressure, and routine for your body.

🙋‍♀️ Bring your questions, from discomfort and sizing to how long to wear them.

🔗 Register: Link in bio

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #compression #compressionsocks #bloodclotprevention #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

At just 18, Laura was diagnosed with bilateral pul

At just 18, Laura was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary emboli after experiencing worsening pain in her chest, back, shoulder, and neck.

Laura shares her story to raise awareness that blood clots can happen at any age, and not all PEs start as DVTs in the legs. Swipe to read her story. If you’ve had a PE that didn’t start as a DVT, tell us in the comments.

🔗More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #BloodClotAwareness

Compression socks: love them or hate them, they ca

Compression socks: love them or hate them, they can make a big difference after a blood clot, but only if you use them correctly.

Join us for a live PEP Talk on Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m. ET as Dr. Suman Wasan of UNC Chapel Hill returns to discuss compression and answer your questions, including:

🧦 How tight is too tight?
🛌 Should you wear them to bed?
💬 What if they cause pain or bruising?

This is NBCA’s most-attended PEP Talk topic for a reason! Don’t miss the chance to learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to get relief.

🔗Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #compression #compressionsocks #bloodclotprevention #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #compressionhumor

Did you know that when you travel, there is an eas

Did you know that when you travel, there is an easy way to communicate that you have a history of blood clots and take blood thinners in the event of an emergency?

The American College of Emergency Physicians advises people to wear medical ID jewelry if they have experienced blood clots, or if they take blood thinners, which can pose bleeding risks.

Many online sellers offer inexpensive, customizable medical ID bracelets, silicone wristbands like the ones pictured here, and necklaces.

The alert should include your major medical conditions, such as a history of pulmonary emboli (PE), medications you’re currently taking, such as your anticoagulant, and the name and phone number of an emergency contact.

Do you wear medical ID jewelry when you travel? Show us a photo or tell us in the comments!

🔗 More safe travel tips for blood clot patients: Link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #travelsafety #medicalalert #medicalalertband #bloodthinners #anticoagulants #bloodthinnerbracelet

Shytasia was at work when she experienced sensory

Shytasia was at work when she experienced sensory impairment. At the hospital, while struggling to breathe, her symptoms were initially dismissed until fellow patients insisted she be seen. Doctors found a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Now, Shytasia is focused on healing, self-advocacy, and living every moment with purpose.

👉 Swipe through to read Shytasia’s full story.

🔗 Read more patient stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #BloodClotAwareness

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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.