When Teri Stanfield of Acworth, GA joined the National Blood Clot Alliance as a Thrombassador in August 2024, she did so with a mission fueled by a devastating loss. In February 2024, she lost her only son, Bryce Stanfield, to an undiagnosed pulmonary embolism.
Bryce, a talented football player at Furman University in South Carolina, experienced warning signs: leg and back pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. But because he was an athlete, his symptoms were misattributed to the physical toll of his sport. During practice, Bryce collapsed. He was just 21 years old.
“Bryce lived life like it’s 3rd and 8,” Teri said. “We are rattling the bleachers and making some noise to raise awareness about blood clots! Heartbreak fuels our fight to stop the clot, so no one else has to experience our tragedy.”
Since his passing, Teri has channeled her grief into action, ensuring no other family endures the same devastating loss.
In just six months as a Thrombassador, Teri has made extraordinary strides in spreading blood clot awareness:
- Media advocacy: She has shared Bryce’s story through major news outlets across Georgia and South Carolina, reaching more than 350,800 people.
- Community outreach: Through in-person events, Teri has provided 9,000 people with lifesaving information about blood clot risks and symptoms.
- Athletic partnerships: She has worked with Furman University and Bryce’s alma mater, Harrison High School in Kennesaw, GA, to bring awareness directly to athletes and their families.
- Spreading lifesaving information: Because of her outreach, an athletic trainer recognized the signs of a blood clot in a player and sent them to the hospital, where a clot was confirmed.
- Legislative advocacy: Teri has submitted a state proclamation for Georgia to officially recognize March as Blood Clot Awareness Month.
She also told Bryce’s story on Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast.
Teri, you carry forward Bryce’s fearless spirit, and your advocacy is a testament to Bryce’s legacy. We thank you deeply for all you do.
