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September 2018

September e-Newsletter | Fall Into Our Latest Happenings

As seasons shift from summer to fall, NBCA has been busy working on a multitude of projects …

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Curriculum

NBCA and CDC Renew Online VTE E-Learning Course Offering No-Cost Continuing Education

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is pleased to…

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NFL Player Partners with NBCA for ‘My Cause My Cleats’

Patriots Long Snapper Julian Ashby Honors Late Teammate Bryce Stanfield Through NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats,” Supporting the National Blood…

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stoptheclot

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

❤️‍🩹 A blood clot diagnosis can feel over

❤️‍🩹 A blood clot diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET is for people who are newly diagnosed and their loved ones who are looking for guidance, clarity, and support.

We’ll cover Blood Clots 101, what to expect after a diagnosis, common challenges, and steps you can take to manage your health. You’ll also learn how to navigate medications and follow-up care, and where to find reliable resources and a supportive community.

Have questions you want answered during the session? Email PEPquestions@stoptheclot.org or include them when you register at the link in bio.

👉 Can't make the live event? Register anyway to get the recording sent straight to your inbox.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

❤️‍🩹 NBCA’s PEP Talks change lives. Jus

❤️‍🩹 NBCA’s PEP Talks change lives. Just recently, a newly diagnosed patient shared how a PEP Talk helped them realize their clotting disorder testing was done too early, prompting a second opinion that brought clarity and peace of mind. That’s the power of getting the right information at the right time.

Clinical expert Diane Wirth returns Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET for our quarterly session designed for patients who are newly diagnosed or still learning about their condition.

Can’t join live? Register anyway and we’ll send the recording straight to your inbox.

Register: 🔗 in bio!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is attendi

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is attending the American Society of Hematology’s 67th Annual Meeting and Expo (#ASH25) today through December 9 in Orlando, FL!

NBCA has also been selected for an Oral Presentation — an extremely competitive distinction awarded to only a small percentage of abstract submissions each year, and even fewer nonprofit organizations.

Our presentation will highlight insights from the B.L.A.C.K. (Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge) Church Bus Tour, a first-of-its-kind community-based initiative created to address critical health disparities by partnering with Black faith communities across the southeastern United States.

Post-event surveys showed significant increases in knowledge about blood clot risks, symptoms, and treatment — and 100% of attendees said they planned to share what they learned with others. These outcomes demonstrate the power of culturally tailored, community-driven outreach to close gaps in blood clot awareness and save lives.

We’re honored to bring this work to the clinical community — and to elevate how community partnerships can meaningfully address blood clot health disparities. Follow along with @stoptheclot on X for updates from the conference and #ASH25 scientific sessions.

🔗 Read the research: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #HealthEquity #VTEAwareness #ASH25

A blood clot diagnosis can turn your world upside

A blood clot diagnosis can turn your world upside down. In fact, hematologist Dr. Anna Parks says the emotional toll can feel as devastating as a cancer diagnosis.

That’s why every quarter we devote a PEP Talk to those who are newly diagnosed, offering clear information, trusted resources, and a supportive space to ask questions.

Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. for our next session, and connect with more than 12,000 people who truly understand in our private Facebook support group. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Register for the PEP Talk and join our support group at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

“I’m 27, and my story isn't about being young;

“I’m 27, and my story isn't about being young; it’s about blood that doesn't flow. My history is a sequence of crises.

Two weeks postpartum, IVF hormones and an emergency C-section created the perfect storm. I was struck by shortness of breath, chest pain, and neck pain. Rushed to the hospital, they found a pulmonary embolism (PE). This life-threatening event led to the discovery that I had large, recurring blood clots in several veins in my left shoulder, arm, and neck.

We tried everything: endless anticoagulation and a series of procedures where doctors used special tools and medications to try to dissolve and physically remove the clots. My genetic panels were frustratingly normal. Then the doctors realized I was being provoked by a mechanical problem.

The culprit: thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). My first rib was physically crushing the vein.

A month ago, the rib was removed. The surgeons found that my vein was extremely damaged and surrounded by thick scar tissue. It was so blocked that blood still has to use my body’s natural “detours” instead of flowing normally through the main vein. They did their best to repair my main vein, but the trauma was profound.

I’m still figuring out how to trust my body, especially since the flow still relies on those detours. The rib that was causing the mechanical block is gone, but the emotional burden from the IVF, the C-section, and life-threatening blood clots is intense.

When your body is telling you something is wrong, trust that something is wrong. Keep pushing for answers.”

More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #ThoracicOutletSyndrome #BloodClots

📚 Did you know that NBCA offers a no-cost onlin

📚 Did you know that NBCA offers a no-cost online VTE continuing education course for healthcare professionals?

Developed in partnership with @cdcgov — and recently renewed — this course provides essential, up-to-date training on how to recognize, prevent, and manage deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Whether you’re a physician, nurse, PA, pharmacist, or other health professional, you can earn 1.75 CE credits while strengthening your understanding of VTE risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.

If you care for patients at risk of blood clots, this course is an accessible, evidence-based way to stay current and support better patient outcomes.

Start learning: Link in bio

#StopTheClot #ContinuingEducation #VTEEducation #BloodClotEducation

💛 Back by popular demand! 💛 Clinical guest

💛 Back by popular demand! 💛

Clinical guest Diane Wirth joins us for another PEP Talk on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET for patients who are newly diagnosed with a blood clot or are still learning about their condition.

She will answer some of the most common questions people have after a blood clot — from how long recovery takes to what “feeling normal again” really looks like.

If you or someone you love is newly diagnosed with DVT, PE, or another clotting condition, this session is designed to give you clear, trustworthy guidance during a confusing time.

📅 Next PEP Talk: Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET

👉 Register: Link in bio.

👀 If you can't make the live event, register anyway to get the recording sent straight to your inbox.

#StopTheClot #PEPTalk #BloodClots #VTE #BloodClotPatient #BloodClotSupportGroup #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotWebinar

Happy Thank You Wednesday! Yesterday, you showed

Happy Thank You Wednesday!

Yesterday, you showed up with generosity, heart and commitment to saving lives.

Because of you, the ripple continues:

✨ Someone will recognize a warning sign.

✨ A caregiver will know the right questions to ask.

✨ A newly diagnosed patient will feel less alone at 2 a.m.

Thank you for being part of this community and for pushing this mission forward. We’re grateful for you today and every day.

Your ripple matters more than you know. 💛

#StopTheClot #GivingTuesday #ThankYouWednesday #BloodClotAwareness

💛 The ripple is growing. This Giving Tuesday,

💛 The ripple is growing.

This Giving Tuesday, your generosity is already helping save lives.

We’re close to our goal — but the next few hours matter.

When a patient finds NBCA at 2 a.m., searching for answers and support…

When a caregiver understands what questions to ask…

When a story helps someone recognize a warning sign and get help in time…

That’s the ripple *you* create.

If everyone who turned to NBCA for information or support this year contributed even a small amount, imagine the reach we could create together — and the number of people who would be safer because this community exists.

Your gift powers:

✨ Lifesaving education

✨ Support for patients + families

✨ Better diagnosis + prevention

✨ Answers during frightening moments

There’s still time to change someone’s story.

👉 Donate: Link in bio💛

If you’ve already donated today, thank you! Sharing this post helps the ripple reach even farther.

#StopTheClot #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2025 #GlobalGenerosity #BloodClotAwareness

If you’ve already donated to NBCA for Giving Tue

If you’ve already donated to NBCA for Giving Tuesday, thank you — your generosity truly makes a difference. 💛

Now, help inspire the next person.

Share your UNselfie and show the world why blood clot awareness matters to you — whether it’s for your own health, someone you love, or a story that changed the way you see blood clots.

Here’s how to join in:

✨ Make a sign that says why you’re supporting blood clot awareness (or download the unselfie template: Link in bio.

✨ Take a picture of yourself holding it

✨ Post it on social media and tag us @stoptheclot with #UNselfie and #GivingTuesday

We’ll be resharing your UNselfies throughout the day to remind others of the real people behind this movement.

If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time — and your UNselfie can spark someone else’s gift, too.

Donate Now: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2025 #GlobalGenerosity #BloodClotAwareness

Maybe you found NBCA after a frightening ER visit.

Maybe you found NBCA after a frightening ER visit.

Maybe you learned the warning signs because someone you love didn’t have the chance to.

Or maybe you’re here because a single story opened your eyes to what blood clots can do — and what awareness can prevent.

At NBCA, we see every day how one moment of generosity can change someone’s life:

❤️ One donation fuels education for someone who’s scared and searching online at 2 a.m.

❤️ One resource gives a caregiver the words they need to advocate.

❤️ One story helps a person recognize symptoms and get treatment in time.

Your #GivingTuesday support strengthens that ripple — one person, one family, one life at a time.

Every gift — $10, $25, $50, or any amount — helps save lives.

Thank you for being part of this life-saving ripple. 💛

👉 Donate: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2025 #GlobalGenerosity #BloodClotAwareness

A blood clot diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and

A blood clot diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and many people are left wondering what’s normal, how recovery works, and where to find support.

You don’t have to go through it alone.

NBCA has two key resources for people who have been recently diagnosed with a blood clot, or are continuing to learn about their condition:

❤️ New Patient Guide

A free handbook (in English and Spanish) that answers common questions and helps you navigate life after a clot. 👉 Download: Link in bio.

📅 PEP Talk — Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. ET

Our next live session is designed for newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones. Diane Wirth, MSN, ANP-BC, CACP, will cover early recovery, daily management, and how to work with your care team. 👉 Register: Link in bio.

Whether you’re healing or supporting someone you love, these resources offer clarity, guidance, and community at a time you need it most.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness #NewPatientGuide

🏈 It’s game day! 🏈 Tonight on Monday Nigh

🏈 It’s game day! 🏈

Tonight on Monday Night Football, @Patriots long snapper @julian.ashby takes the field promoting the National Blood Clot Alliance and blood clot awareness through My Cause My Cleats — a tribute to former @paladinfootball teammate Bryce Stanfield, who died suddenly from a blood clot in 2024.

Bryce’s mother, @teristanfield, shared how much this moment means to their family: “If sharing his story helps one person recognize a warning sign or get help sooner, then his light is still shining, and his life is still making a difference.”

Learn the story behind the tribute: Link in bio.

📸 👟 Spot the cleats tonight?

If you catch them during tonight’s broadcast kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET, snap a photo and tag @stoptheclot — we’d love to see and share your posts!

#StopTheClot #MyCauseMyCleats #NewEnglandPatriots #NFL #BloodClotAwareness #StanfieldStrong #BeLikeBryce

❤️‍🩹 The @Patriots published a powerful a

❤️‍🩹 The @Patriots published a powerful and deeply moving article about rookie long snapper @julian.ashby and his tribute to his friend and former @paladinfootball teammate, Bryce Stanfield.

The story shares the heartbreaking loss of Bryce to a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), Julian’s commitment to honoring his legacy, and his partnership with the National Blood Clot Alliance through the @NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign.

👉 Read the full article (link in bio) and tune in tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET as the Patriots face the New York Giants. Watch for Julian’s custom “Stop the Clot” cleats as he raises awareness and plays in Bryce’s memory.

@teristanfield

#StopTheClot #MyCauseMyCleats #NewEnglandPatriots #NFL #FurmanUniversity #BloodClotAwareness #StanfieldStrong #BeLikeBryce

🎉 We’re proud to share that the National Bloo

🎉 We’re proud to share that the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) has been selected for an Oral Presentation at this year’s American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting — an extremely competitive distinction awarded to only a small percentage of abstract submissions each year, and even fewer nonprofit organizations.

Our presentation next week will highlight insights from the B.L.A.C.K. (Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge) Church Bus Tour, a first-of-its-kind community-based initiative created to address critical health disparities by partnering with Black faith communities across the southeastern United States.

Post-event surveys showed significant increases in knowledge about blood clot risks, symptoms, and treatment — and 100% of attendees said they planned to share what they learned with others. These outcomes demonstrate the power of culturally tailored, community-driven outreach to close gaps in blood clot awareness and save lives.

We’re honored to bring this work to the clinical community and to elevate how community partnerships can meaningfully address blood clot health disparities.

🔗 Read the research: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #HealthEquity #VTEAwareness #ASH25 #BloodClotAwareness

🏈 Countdown to Monday Night Football 🏈 TONI

“This May, I tore my calf muscle playing soccer.

“This May, I tore my calf muscle playing soccer. It was the same injury I had only three months earlier, so I thought I knew what to expect. Three days later, I had a massage and then left for Cuba that evening on a three-hour flight.

My calf was sore and I had bought a calf sleeve to support me it while walking. The pain in my calf was terrible, especially when I woke up in the night to go to the washroom, or waking up in the morning. It lessened slightly with walking.

A few days into my trip, I developed a rash all down my right shin on my injured leg and the calf was mildly swollen. I thought it could be heat rash as it was very hot that week and I had been wearing a support sleeve on my leg. I felt uncomfortable since it was on my injured leg and was driven by taxi to a nearby clinic at 3 a.m.

I explained the injury to the doctor and that I had been wearing a support sleeve for my calf. She touched my calf and said it was heat rash. She recommended keeping it cool and elevated. I believed the doctor and stayed in my air conditioned room for the remainder on my trip with my leg elevated.

I got home and my ankle was so swollen. I went to urgent care the next morning where I explained everything to the doctor. He sent me for an ultrasound, which found a DVT above the back of my right knee. He said he suspected I had a blood clot just by looking at my leg. I was overwhelmed and cried a bunch that weekend. I was on apixaban for three months and my next ultrasound came back clear, clot fully resolved.

I'm a little anxious of random feelings in my legs. But after my calf injury healed, I'm prioritizing exercise again and being smart while I travel. I went to Portugal while on thinners. I wore compression socks, moved on the plane and booked aisle seats. I was told I’m not someone who is especially prone to getting clots, which is reassuring, but the worry is still there.

Blood clots symptoms can mimic so many other things. So, be careful.”

Read more stories on our website.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #DVT #Travel

🎉 We’re excited to announce that the National

🎉 We’re excited to announce that the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) will be exhibiting at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, December 6-9 in Orlando, FL! We'll be bringing the patient perspective to more than 25,000 clinicians and scientists in attendance. Follow along with @stoptheclot on X for updates from the conference and scientific sessions!

#StopTheClot #ASH25 #HematologyConference

💊Taking a blood thinner and have Medicare? You

💊Taking a blood thinner and have Medicare?

You may qualify for an option to help manage your prescription costs.

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), first introduced in 2025, will make it easier for individuals with Part D drug coverage to afford important medications — including anticoagulants — by letting you spread your out-of-pocket drug costs into monthly, interest-free payments instead of paying everything at once.

This can help if you:

💊 Take lifelong or high-cost blood thinner medications

💰 Struggle to afford large pharmacy bills up front

🗓️ Prefer smaller, predictable monthly payments

Participation is optional, and you can enroll anytime, but reviewing your coverage and eligibility now during open enrollment ensures you’re prepared.

Learn more about the MPPP and get guidance for people managing chronic conditions like blood clots:👉 Link in bio.

#Medicare #OpenEnrollment #StopTheClot #VTEAwareness #Anticoagulation #BloodClots #MedicarePrescriptionPaymentPlan #MPPP

“In June 2024, shortly after turning 30, I was d

“In June 2024, shortly after turning 30, I was diagnosed with an unprovoked DVT in my lower left leg. The diagnosis and the sudden need to start blood thinners felt like a death sentence. I was terrified and didn't know where to turn.

Once the clot was discovered, I was started on apixaban immediately and told to follow up in a few months for genetic testing to uncover why the clot had formed in the first place. Estrogen-based birth control was my only known risk factor.

I eventually found an excellent team of specialists, a vascular doctor, primary care physician, hematologist, and rheumatologist, who worked collaboratively to order the appropriate genetic tests after six months on apixaban.

In May 2025, nearly a year after the clot was first identified, I finally received a diagnosis: triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

From there, I transitioned from apixaban to warfarin, using an injectable medication called enoxaparin to bridge between the two. It took months for my body to stabilize within a therapeutic range, and I’m still learning about warfarin’s sensitivities and how to manage my INR — a standardized measure of how long it takes for your blood to clot, which is used to ensure warfarin stays at a safe and effective level.

This has been the most unexpected and discouraging journey of my life, but I continue to challenge myself, advocate for myself, and encourage others to do the same.

I’m still adjusting to this new reality of bloodwork every two weeks, wearing compression socks every day, INR monitoring, routine ultrasounds, and the understanding that lifelong management will be part of my care.

My goal as a young woman living with vascular and blood disorders is to raise awareness and promote healthy blood flow habits, such as leg elevation and wearing compression socks. There is simply not enough information or visibility for young women with autoimmune and clotting disorders, especially those with APS or CVI."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #APS #CVI #BloodClotAwareness

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