Watch a video of Joanna’s story here.
I am a miracle in motion, and my story is one of ongoing survival and transformation of finding beauty that fuels me in life’s most challenging moments.
I didn’t know much about blood clots until three of them nearly took my life — an unexpected complication after a surgery while having early Covid.
Five years ago, after a week of typical business travel and what was supposed to be routine surgery while visiting family for the holidays, I found myself fighting for every breath in a Seattle hospital ICU. A few days after surgery, I woke up with a calf cramp (no redness or heat). I got up to walk around and by the time I got to the bottom of the stairs it had turned into a life-threatening emergency – three massive blood clots had made their way to my lungs, blocking three of my four pulmonary arteries. My heart was racing, my vision was narrowing and I was struggling to get air. At the ER, they did an emergency CT scan and confirmed the PEs before admitting me to the ICU. But because of my recent surgery, I was not a candidate for most of the interventions, and I ended up with extensive damage.
If you are a fellow survivor, you know that there’s nothing that makes you appreciate the simple act of breathing quite like struggling for each breath. I remember watching oxygen tanks being brought into my parents’ house, unable to even cry because it would have made breathing impossible. That moment changed everything.
A truth I’ve learned is this: Recovery isn’t just a chapter – it’s a complete story rewrite of the future. These past five years have transformed my entire existence. I haven’t returned to my NYC home, and my body has faced challenges that have touched every system, including my lung, heart and brain. But let me tell you what I know for sure: Every single day is a gift, even the difficult ones. And the support of our loved ones is the fuel that helps us keep going. I wouldn’t be here without the strength, encouragement and help of my family, especially my husband.
I now see over 20 health practitioners regularly, and wellness isn’t just part of my routine – it’s my way of life. My theme this year is “Keep Breathing In the Beauty,” and that’s exactly what we did when we celebrated my 5th clotiversary recently with family and friends.
We did some special things to mark this milestone – we popped bottles of OneHope champagne, where a portion of each purchase goes to support the charity of your choice. Of course, I chose the National Blood Clot Alliance! This is the kind of celebration that gives back and creates ripples of change. And we also created flower arrangements together, so we could all keep breathing in the beauty of nature at home.
During our celebration, my dear friend Tina shared something powerful. She said, “Joanna’s experience helped me understand my own risks before surgery. She gave me the knowledge and courage to advocate for myself. In many ways, her help saved me as I didn’t know I was at high risk for clots.”
That’s what this journey is all about – turning our trials into triumph and helping others along the way. Healing has been slower than I expected, but I’m so grateful to be emerging into a new chapter where I can start to help other survivors.
Today, I’m honored to serve as a California advocate for the National Blood Clot Alliance, focusing on building awareness about prevention and recovery during Blood Clot Awareness Month. I’ve also launched a YouTube channel in honor of my fifth clotiversary – Tapped Into Healing – where I share the tools and insights that have helped me recover from blood clot damage.
This journey has taught me that our greatest challenges can become our most powerful platform for helping others. Every breath, every moment, every opportunity to raise awareness is a blessing beyond measure. Keep breathing in the beauty and spreading the knowledge you have about blood clots. Awareness can save lives.
Watch a video of Joanna’s story here.
