Before Delbert Hazeley died at age 30 of a blood clot, his family knew nothing about this medical condition. His loved ones want to ensure that no other family endures what they’ve experienced, so they’ve channeled their grief into an annual 5K walk to spread awareness and raise funds for the National Blood Clot Alliance.
“We don’t want Delbert’s death to be in vain,” his cousin Brenda Ashley said. “We love him and miss him terribly, and so did everyone who came in contact with him.”
Born in Sierra Leone, West Africa, on October 22, 1986, Delbert came to the United States in 2001 and settled in Philadelphia. He earned his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree in information management from the University of Washington. At the time of his death, on October 16, 2017, Delbert was working as Director of Strategy and Organizational Excellence at the University of Washington Police Department.
Every November, his family hosts the 5K memorial walk and fundraiser in a different city where members of the family live. This year it was in Philadelphia, where the family raised $1,800 for NBCA. Past walks have taken place in Seattle; Brentwood, CA; and San Diego.
“Our lives have changed in so many ways without Delbert,” Brenda said. “He had a beautiful soul and spirit. He helped everyone who needed him and was so positive about life. He is truly missed.”
If you would like to organize a fundraising event to memorialize a loved one who died of a blood clot, you can find information here.
