Home / Volunteer Spotlights / Kristin Billings Turns Used Sneakers Into Donations for NBCA

Kristin Billings Turns Used Sneakers Into Donations for NBCA

Kristin Billings Turns Used Sneakers Into Donations for NBCA

As an NBCA Community Thrombassador, Kristin regularly speaks about her blood clot experience and her pageant work allows her to amplify her message. Now, Kristin is taking her awareness efforts a step further by teaming up with Got Sneakers, an organization that collects used sneakers and recycles them, reducing the waste dumped in landfills.

Each pair of sneakers that Kristin donates results in a donation to NBCA. Thank you, Kristin, and congratulations on being named Volunteer of the Month!

Interested in spearheading a fundraiser or awareness initiative? Contact tpatrikis@stoptheclot.org for more information.

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

September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) A

September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month.

AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, affecting more than 2.6 million Americans. When your heart rhythm becomes irregular, blood doesn’t flow the way it should. This can cause blood to pool in the heart, raising the risk of dangerous blood clots, stroke, and even heart failure.

AFib isn’t always obvious. Some people feel racing, fluttering, or pounding in their chest, while others have no symptoms at all. That’s why awareness and early detection are key.

Learn the facts, talk with your healthcare provider, and protect your heart health.

More at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #AFib #AtrialFibrillation #AFibAwarenessMonth

To show our gratitude for everyone who has support

To show our gratitude for everyone who has supported our summer fundraising campaign, we’re giving away Stop the Clot gear every week through September 30!

📣 Our fifth winner is Julie Haas of Onalaska, WI, who gets an NBCA boat bag. Congratulations!

You can enter TWO ways:

1️⃣ Donate: Every donation = 1 entry. Already donated? You’re in! Want better odds? Make another gift to boost your chances!

2️⃣ Share & Like: Share and like this post = 1 entry.

Giveaway Details:

Winners are announced every Friday.

All donations support NBCA’s mission to raise awareness, provide patient support, and save lives.

Thanks to our matching campaign, your gift goes 2X s far through September 30. (It could go 3X as far if your employer has a matching gift program!)

Don't miss your chance to win Stop the Clot swag and make a meaningful impact.

👇 Let us know you entered by commenting below!

🎁 Donate: Link in bio!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #FundraisingFriday #BloodClotAwareness

After a short flight home from LA, Rachel felt wha

After a short flight home from LA, Rachel felt what she thought was a panic attack. In the ER, her 140 bpm resting heart rate prompted a pulmonary embolism test. Her message: don’t dismiss symptoms. Stay hydrated, move, and enjoy life.

More stories: Link in bio.

🎮 Today is National Video Games Day, but before

🎮 Today is National Video Games Day, but before you immerse yourself in your favorite game, make sure you are aware of your risk for blood clots.

Sitting and playing video games for extended periods of time, generally more than four hours, is a significant risk factor for blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), which can lead to a pulmonary embolism (PE), or a blood clot in the lungs, which is life-threatening.

Research has shown that people with no additional risk factors other than prolonged physical inactivity have developed “gamer’s thrombosis.” The risk is even higher in people with additional risk factors, including smoking, obesity and genetic conditions.

Please share this post as a reminder to stay hydrated, stand up, walk around, and get that blood flowing every 30-60 minutes!

Learn more about your risk for blood clots: link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #GamersThrombosis #NationalVideoGamesDay #BloodClotAwareness

When her father died of a pulmonary embolism last

When her father died of a pulmonary embolism last year, Shannon Harris, PhD, RHIA turned grief into action.

As lead faculty and assistant professor of Health Information Management at the University of Arizona Global Campus, she knows awareness saves lives. Shannon became an NBCA Community Thrombassador, partnered with local media, and most recently organized a Blood Clot Awareness Community Walk in Opelika, AL, sharing the message on WSFA 12 News.

Volunteers like Shannon are the heart of our mission. Thank you, Shannon, for all you do to raise awareness. 💙

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #Thrombassador

Earlier this year, federal cuts reduced funding fo

Earlier this year, federal cuts reduced funding for blood clot education and public awareness. We turned to our community to help fill this gap, and you stepped up in a huge way. Together, we’ve raised nearly 60% of our ambitious $100,000 match goal.

With three weeks left in our campaign, we’re asking those who haven’t yet donated to please consider paying it forward. If NBCA resources have helped you and your loved ones, will you help ensure that others can benefit from them, too?

NBCA Volunteer President Leslie Lake will match every donation dollar for dollar through September 30, doubling your impact.

Donate today: Link in bio.

P.S. Can’t give right now? Sharing this post helps more than you know!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFunding

Thank you to everyone who joined last night’s PE

Thank you to everyone who joined last night’s PEP Talk on navigating a new blood clot diagnosis with Diane Wirth, nurse practitioner at @grady.hospital in Atlanta.

In this clip, Diane answers questions submitted by members of our community about blood clot recovery, including the timeline in which most people feel normal again and how long it takes for a clot to resolve.

Watch the full recording to hear Diane answer more questions and explain the basics of blood clots: 🔗 in bio.

Join us for our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. on children and blood clots. Register at the 🔗 in bio.

If you’ve benefited from our PEP Talks or other resources, please consider making a donation to our summer fundraising campaign. All federal funding for blood clot education and public health awareness has been eliminated, and we need help to fill this gap.

Your donation will be matched through Sept. 30. If your employer matches charitable donations (many do!) your donation can be tripled.

Thank you to all who have donated. 🔗 in bio.

#StopTheClot #PEPTalk

After experiencing a blood clot, many patients are

After experiencing a blood clot, many patients are left unsure about the best way to manage their care. A recent survey of physicians may shed light on why.

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is proud to be part of the Get Out the Clot (GOTC) campaign, an initiative focused on identifying and closing gaps in blood clot patient care, which recently surveyed about 270 healthcare professionals who treat blood clot patients.

Key findings:

✅ 56% of interventional physicians feel their hospital protocols give clear guidance on what to do for pulmonary embolism, beyond just giving blood thinners, and care often differs even for patients with the same risk level. For DVT, this drops to just 39%.
✅ Nearly half of DVT patients are treated with blood-thinning medication alone, yet 71% of physicians want to see their hospital expand the use of thrombectomy (clot-removal procedure) for DVT.
✅ 35% of physicians say treatment decisions are together across specialties, showing that collaboration amongst physicians continues to be limited.

Why it matters: Blood clots affect up to 900,000 Americans annually, leading to about 100,000 deaths. The results from this survey underscore the urgent need for hospitals to standardize care and offer advanced treatment options, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and educate patients and clinicians so people get the right treatment more reliably.

➡️ Visit GetOutTheClot.com or check out the link in bio to learn more.

@penumbra.inc @pertconsortium @isth_official @venousforum @

HAPPENING TONIGHT: Our September PEP Talk kicks of

HAPPENING TONIGHT: Our September PEP Talk kicks off at 7 p.m. ET, and it’s all about navigating a new blood clot diagnosis. We’ll cover recovery, blood thinners, follow-up care, and more.

Can’t join live? Be sure to register anyway to get the recording sent to your inbox.

Register: Link in bio.

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

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us for our next PEP Talk

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us for our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. ET for a foundational-level session for people who are navigating life after a DVT or PE. We’ll cover key topics like blood thinners, recovery, follow-up care, and returning to daily life.

Plus, we’ll walk through some of the most important questions to ask your doctor after a clot, like:

✔️ How long will I be on a blood thinner?

✔️ When can I start exercising again?

✔️ How are DVT and PE connected?

Whether you were diagnosed days or months ago, this conversation can help you feel more confident at your next appointment and more in control of your care.

🔗 Register now: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #PEPTalk #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #NewBloodClotDiagnosis

Did you know that World Thrombosis Day takes place

Did you know that World Thrombosis Day takes place every year on October 13 to turn the world’s attention to blood clots?

Blood clots can be fatal, but they are also preventable. Help us spread awareness by participating in NBCA’s sixth annual virtual Fun Run (or walk) between October 10-13 to commemorate World Thrombosis Day.

Here are the details:

- Virtual walk/run celebrating World Thrombosis Day
- Pick your distance: 10K, 5K, or 1 mile
- Registration is $35
- Complete the course of your choosing anytime between October 10-13

Super-charge your impact by creating your own fundraising page and encouraging people in our life to support you. All registrations and donations are 100% tax-deductible!

💥 Your registration fee and any funds you raise before Sept. 30 will count toward our summer fundraising campaign and will be matched! 💥

🔗 Register: Link in bio!

#StopTheClot #NBCAFunRun #BloodClotAwareness #WorldThrombosisDay

After weeks of cough, back pain, and shortness of

After weeks of cough, back pain, and shortness of breath, Judy nearly collapsed in the shower. ER tests found multiple blood clots in both lungs with right-heart strain. She spent three days in the hospital, started lifelong blood thinners, and later learned recovery includes managing anxiety. Her message: if you feel “off,” get checked out.

👉 More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #BloodClotAwareness

September is Healthy Aging Month. Blood clot risk

September is Healthy Aging Month. Blood clot risk increases with age and is heightened by hospitalization, surgery, cancer, and reduced mobility. At the same time, bleeding risk, especially for those on blood thinners, must be considered.

In our August PEP Talk on blood clots and aging, Dr. Anna Parks, hematologist at the University of Utah, discusses the challenges of balancing blood clotting and bleeding risks in older adults.

“The problem with aging is that it’s a double-edged sword,” she says in this clip. “Your clotting risk goes up, but your bleeding risk also goes up.”

This Healthy Aging Month, watch the full recording to learn how to protect yourself or a loved one: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #HealthyAgingMonth #BloodClotPrevention #BloodClotAwareness

🎉We have our Week 4 winner! To show our grati

🎉We have our Week 4 winner!

To show our gratitude for everyone who has supported our summer fundraising campaign, we’re giving away Stop the Clot gear every week through September 30!

📣 Our fourth winner is Lida Sethi of Columbus, OH, who gets an NBCA boat bag. Congratulations!

You can enter TWO ways:

1️⃣ Donate: Every donation = 1 entry. Already donated? You’re in! Want better odds? Make another gift to boost your chances!

2️⃣ Share & Like: Share and like this post = 1 entry.

Giveaway Details:

Winners are announced every Friday.

All donations support NBCA’s mission to raise awareness, provide patient support, and save lives.

Thanks to our matching campaign, your gift goes 2X s far through September 30. (It could go 3X as far if your employer has a matching gift program!)

Don't miss your chance to win Stop the Clot swag and make a meaningful impact.

👇 Let us know you entered by commenting below!

🎁 Donate: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #FundraisingFriday #BloodClotAwareness

Elizabeth has contended with three types of blood

Elizabeth has contended with three types of blood clots—DVT, superficial thrombophlebitis, and CVST—yet she’s tested negative for factor V Leiden, which runs in her family. After a clot-provoked stroke in June 2025, she’s rebuilding with fatigue and memory loss, and she’s grateful.

More blood clot patient stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #DVT #CVST #BloodClotAwareness

📣 We’re making incredible progress towards ou

📣 We’re making incredible progress towards our summer fundraising campaign — nearly 60% of the way to our $200,000 goal!

Thanks to your generosity, we've already raised nearly $115,000. Every dollar supports life-saving education and resources to prevent and treat blood clots.

But the need is urgent. As Devki Patel of California shared:

"The NBCA support group has been my lifeline this past year as I've navigated bilateral PEs, lung infarcts, and heavy menstrual bleeding while on anticoagulants. This support group continues to teach and uplift me! I am also donating in honor of my brother Neil Patel who died of a PE. Thank you to Leslie, Todd, everyone at NBCA, and all the wonderful members of the support group!”

⏰ Haven't donated yet? Now is the perfect time. We need to raise $42,500 from our community before Sept. 30, and NBCA President Leslie Lake will match every dollar — bringing us to the full $85,000 still needed to reach our goal.

➡️ Donate today and double your impact: Link in bio.

🎁 Each donation also enters you into our Friday swag giveaway — you could win NBCA gear as an extra thank you!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFunding

🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Join NBCA’s 6th Annua

🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Join NBCA’s 6th Annual Race to Stop the Clot Fun Run!

In recognition of World Thrombosis Day on October 13, we’re encouraging our community to move, connect, and raise awareness about blood clots.

Walk or run the distance of your choice — 1 mile, 5k, or 10k — and participate from anywhere between October 10–13.

💥 Your registration fee and any funds you raise before Sept. 30 will count toward our summer fundraising campaign and will be matched! 💥

🔗 Register: bit.ly/NBCAFunRun2025

Together, we can Stop the Clot and celebrate a healthier, more aware community!

#StopTheClot #NBCAFunRun #BloodClotAwareness #WorldThrombosisDay

The stress of a new blood clot diagnosis can be as

The stress of a new blood clot diagnosis can be as devastating as that of a cancer diagnosis, but you don’t have to face it alone.

If you or a loved one is grappling with a recent DVT, PE, or CVST diagnosis, join our September PEP Talk webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. ET to get support, learn about your condition, and ask questions.

Diane Wirth, nurse practitioner and member of NBCA’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, joins us to help you move forward with confidence.

If you can’t attend the live webinar, register anyway to receive the recording in your inbox.

Reserve your spot at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Season 2, Epis

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Season 2, Episode 12 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from Omari Maynard of New York City. When Omari returned home from the hospital with his life partner, Shamony Gibson, after her second birth, he never expected to be a single father just 13 days later.

On September 23, 2019, Shamony safely delivered a healthy baby boy, Khari, via an unplanned cesarean section. But during recovery she experienced shortness of breath and chest pains.

Omari and Shamony were informed on blood clots. In fact, Shamony’s mother, Shawnee Benton Gibson, is a community leader and reproductive justice activist. But they followed the guidance they were given by Shamony’s medical team.

After Shamony’s death, Omari and Shawnee formed the ARIAH Foundation (Advancement of Reproductive Innovation Through Artistry and Healing) to spread awareness.

Shamony’s story is featured in a 2022 documentary, Aftershock, available on Hulu.

Thank you, Omari for sharing your story and helping raise awareness. Listen to his journey on our website (link in bio) or wherever you get your podcasts.

@theariahfoundation

#StopTheClot #TakingABreath #BloodClotPodcast #BloodClotPrevention #BloodClotAwareness

Days after a C-section, Carlie felt breathless an

Days after a C-section, Carlie felt breathless and couldn’t lie flat. A CT scan revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli, likely linked to pregnancy/C-section, with type 1 diabetes adding risk. Her message: don’t dismiss postpartum symptoms. If something feels off, get checked.

More stories: 🔗 in bio.

#StopTheClot

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