On January 18, 2025, NBCA Community Thrombassadors – a network of patients and caregivers trained to spread blood clot education, awareness, and prevention in their communities – came together to celebrate their incredible work and accomplishments in 2024, and bestow special acknowledgements on four individuals who displayed exceptional commitment and impact.
Community Service Award
This award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to raising awareness about blood clots through community service. This recipient educates the public on risks and prevention while making a direct impact through selfless efforts, fostering a healthier and better-informed community.
Lisa Lane Williams
The Thrombassador Community Service Award goes to Lisa Lane Williams for her exceptional dedication to spreading blood clot awareness through social media, media outreach, in-person events, and advocacy with political leaders. Lisa also extended her efforts to community relief during Hurricane Helene in Tennessee, providing essentials and educating others on blood clot risks heightened by disaster conditions.
International Thrombassador Award
The International Thrombassador Award honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the fight against blood clots outside of the United States.
Esther Mwangi of Kenya
Esther Mwangi became a Thrombassador in October 2023 after experiencing a blood clot in Kenya. Driven by her own challenges accessing care, she has passionately spread awareness through media, social media, and in-person events across Kenya and Uganda. Her educational outreach to high school graduates, church congregations, and public audiences has reached millions locally and globally.
Rookie of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding newcomer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and impact in the field of blood clot awareness and prevention. This award celebrates their early achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing knowledge and care in blood clot-related health initiatives.
Jill Cowley
Jill Cowley joined NBCA as a Thrombassador after losing her cousin to a pulmonary embolism, determined to make a difference. Since becoming a Thrombassador in August 2024, she has hosted impactful events like the 1st Annual Chandra Golf Tournament and A Night Out, raising over $2,000 for NBCA and dedicating 90+ hours to awareness efforts. Her work bridges gaps between patients and clinicians, spreading the mission to Stop the Clot.
Thrombassador of the Year Award
This award honors an exceptional Community Thrombassador whose leadership, dedication, and passion have significantly advanced blood clot awareness, prevention, and education. Their unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on patient outcomes and public awareness.
Heather Beissel
Heather has been a dedicated advocate since graduating from Thrombassador training in March 2022. Recognized last year at the 2nd Annual Thrombassador Award Ceremony, she has built impactful partnerships and expanded outreach to underserved groups like pediatric patients and athletes. In 2024, Heather attended NBCA’s Capitol Hill Day, sharing her survival story with congressional leaders. She actively spreads awareness in daily conversations, mentors new Thrombassadors, and improves patient outcomes by distributing educational materials and supporting lower costs for anticoagulation medications. Read Heather’s story here.
Learn more about the Community Thrombassador program here.
Thank you to our Community Thrombassador program sponsors: