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AARP Spotlight: Leslie Lake’s Powerful Journey from Blood Clot Survival to Advocacy

Age is not just a number—it’s a significant risk factor for blood clots, a risk that escalates exponentially with each…

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MARCH IS BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH (1080 x 1080 px)

March Recognized as Blood Clot Awareness Month Across the U.S.

Throughout March, states and cities across the country have officially recognized Blood Clot Awareness Month, reinforcing the importance of education…

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and successful treatments to #stoptheclot.

Age is not just a number—it's a significant risk

Age is not just a number—it's a significant risk factor for blood clots, a risk that escalates exponentially with each passing year.

In a recent interview with @AARP, National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) Volunteer President Leslie Lake shared her powerful story of survival after a sudden blood clot in her lungs (pulmonary embolism)—a story that highlights the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and advocacy.

“I was coming back from the dry cleaner near my apartment, coming up a little incline that I’d walked thousands of times before,” Leslie recalled. “All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe. It literally felt as if someone had put their hands around my neck and squeezed all of the oxygen out of my body. I thought I was having a heart attack.”

Leslie’s terrifying journey to diagnosis took hours, and even after she was discharged, she left without any resources or clear direction on how to move forward. This information gap led her to the NBCA.

“I was given a second chance, and so I want to make sure that I can pay that forward,” she said. “I feel privileged to be in a situation now where I’m sitting here today in the hope that I’ll reach somebody and save their life.”

We are deeply grateful to AARP—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older—for amplifying this critical conversation. Every story shared has the power to save lives.

Learn more at the AARP link in bio and share with anyone you know who could be at risk.

#StoptheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #AARP #BloodClotStory #PulmonaryEmbolismStory #BloodClotSurvivor #BloodClotPatient #BloodClotAwareness @lesliellake

Obesity significantly increases the risk of blood

Obesity significantly increases the risk of blood clots, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. ET will explore the connection between body weight and blood clots, and how GLP-1 medications may help lower the risk.

Why is weight a risk factor for blood clots?

➡️ Inflammation: Obesity can lead to ongoing, low-level inflammation, which makes the blood more likely to clot.

➡️ Slower blood flow: Excess weight can put pressure on veins and slow circulation, raising the risk of clots.

➡️ More clotting proteins: People with obesity often have higher levels of proteins that help their blood clot, making clots more likely.

➡️ Metabolic issues: Conditions like type 2 diabetes, common in obesity, can further increase the clot risk.

➡️ Less movement: Limited activity, such as after surgery or long travel, can cause blood to pool in veins, increasing the chance of clots.

👉 Register for our April PEP Talk to learn more: bit.ly/April2025PEPTalk (Link in bio)

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PEPTalk #GLP1 #GLP1Community #GLP1WeightLoss #GLP1Journey #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BloodClotWebinar #PulmonaryEmbolism #Thrombosis #PE #DVT #KnowYourRisk

Taylor developed leg pain and a fever weeks after

Taylor developed leg pain and a fever weeks after giving birth. Initially diagnosed with sciatica, her symptoms worsened until a medication reaction led her to the ER, where tests revealed blood clots. She’s sharing her story to help others trust their instincts.

Did you ever have to advocate for yourself in a healthcare setting? Tell us about it in the comments.

More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #Pregnancy #Postpartum #CSection #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor

We’re grateful for blackdoctor.org — a compreh

We’re grateful for blackdoctor.org — a comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans — for featuring NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour (Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge).

The piece helped to drive awareness of our bus tour initiative as well as the event last Saturday at @theblvdmemphis. The article quotes Shirley Bondon, executive director of @blackclergy901, one of our Memphis bus tour partners.

“This bus tour is a significant step forward in raising awareness, and we encourage other communities to join forces with us to protect Black lives,” Bondon said.

Read the full article at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotBusTour #BlackChurchBusTour #BloodClotAwareness #Memphis #HealthEquity #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM #DVT #PE #VTE

The final stop for NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus

The final stop for NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour — Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge — was in Memphis, where we spent a day at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church educating about blood clots, performing ultrasounds to check for deep vein thrombosis, and sharing stories.

The day was especially meaningful because Mayor Paul Young proclaimed March 29 as “Stop the Clot Day” in Memphis.

We spent the past month spreading blood clot awareness through the Southern US, which is home to more than half of the Black population in the country, because Black Americans face an up to 60% higher blood clot incidence and related mortality than any other race.

As we reflect on the past month of traveling more than 1,650 miles through seven cities — Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Pensacola, FL; Memphis, TN; and Nashville, TN — we’re grateful for the tireless work of our partner organizations, the wonderful people who attended our events, the health equity advocates who welcomed us, and the media coverage the tour received.

A special shout out to NBCA Board Secretary Arshell Brooks-Harris, who lost her daughter Leschel to a pulmonary embolism, and her husband Andre, who were on the bus tour from start to finish.

Stay tuned for more information on a second bus tour coming in the next few months!

@grady.hospital
@ulgatl
@atlanta_women
@zbcmarietta
@ascension_org
@memphishealthcenter
@universalultrasound
@julie.at.uum
@theblvdmemphis
@blackckergy901
@blackclergytn

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotBusTour #BlackChurchBusTour #BloodClotAwareness #Memphis #Atlanta #Birmingham #Nashville #Pensacola #Charlotte #HealthEquity #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM #DVT #PE #VTE

Today is the last day of Blood Clot Awareness Mont

Today is the last day of Blood Clot Awareness Month and our 100,000 Reasons Challenge! We are deeply grateful for everyone who has been ‘Doing Their Part to Stop the Clot’ during March.

Whether you joined the Challenge, shared your story, made a donation, organized an event or participated in one, amplified blood clot awareness resources on social media, championed your city or state to officially recognize BCAM, sent your letter to your Congressional reps, took part in NBCA’s Capitol Hill Day, joined us for a bus tour event, or raised blood clot awareness during one-on-one conversations, THANK YOU.

Every action plants a seed and creates a ripple effect, and the information that you spread could help to save countless lives.

We encourage you to continue spreading awareness in any way you are capable even after BCAM is over.

Let us also treat every month as if it is Blood Clot Awareness Month because consistent outreach is how more lives will be saved.

There is still time to donate to help us reach our goal of raising $100,000, in honor of the 100,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. to blood clots. Link in bio!

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #DoYourPartToStopTheClot

Finley, a kind and driven young man with dreams of

Finley, a kind and driven young man with dreams of playing football and studying computer science in college, died after his symptoms were misidentified. His legacy lives on through organ donations, saving multiple lives. 🫶 Swipe through to read his story, lovingly written by his mother, Veronica.

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClots #VTE #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFatality #FVL #FactorVLeiden #Factor5Leiden

Today is National Doctors’ Day, and it’s fitti

Today is National Doctors’ Day, and it’s fitting that it also coincides with Blood Clot Awareness Month!

We’re grateful for the members of our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) and Council of Emerging Researchers (CERT) members for ‘Doing Their Part to Stop the Clot’ with their commitment to blood clot patients.

In addition to their contributions to blood clot research and patient care, MASAB and CERT members generously volunteer their time each year to advance our mission.

They champion blood clot awareness and prevention initiatives, contribute to patient education through platforms like our PEP Talks and podcast, and ensure our resources reflect the latest clinical advancements.

To our MASAB and CERT members, and all of the doctors who actively engage with our community, listening, learning, and advocating for better outcomes, THANK YOU.

Leave a comment to join us in celebrating their commitment to the patient community!

#StopTheClot #VTE #BloodClots #NationalDoctorsDay #NBCACERT #NBCAMASAB #BloodClotDoctor #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotPrevention #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #MASAB #CERT

A month after Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio

A month after Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), another NBA player, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, was also diagnosed with a DVT this week.

This news has people wondering why athletes get blood clots and how a DVT diagnosis might effect athletes long-term.

Julie Partridge, professor of sport and exercise psychology at Southern Illinois University and vice chair of NBCA’s Board of Directors, spoke to the Associated Press about this.

Read it at the link in bio.

NBCA wishes Damian Lillard a smooth and quick recovery.

@Wemby @DamianLillard @Bucks #StopTheClot #DamianLillard #MilwaukeeBucks #BloodClots #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis

After multiple ER visits where her symptoms were d

After multiple ER visits where her symptoms were dismissed, Autumn was finally diagnosed with bilateral PE and DVT—just in time to save her life. She never got to finish her high school sports career, but she’s learned the importance of self-advocacy and prioritizing both physical and mental recovery. Swipe through to read her full story.

More stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #DeepVeinThrombosis #Misdiagnosed #BloodClotAwareness

The National Blood Clot Alliance is thrilled to an

The National Blood Clot Alliance is thrilled to announce that Dr. Jordan Schafer of University of Michigan Health is the 2025 recipient of the Jennifer Luft Emerging VTE Clinician Research Award.

This $20,000 award supports individuals dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) through patient-centered research.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award and truly grateful to the National Blood Clot Alliance for making this opportunity possible," said Dr. Schaefer, who also sits on NBCA's Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis.

"This award will help fund my research focused on improving care for individuals with blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Through my work, I hope to educate others on blood clots and improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care for patients.”

The award is named in memory of Jennifer Luft of New York, who suffered from pulmonary emboli in 2012 at age 23, resulting in an anoxic brain injury that left her unable to walk or talk. Jennifer’s family lovingly cared for her until her death in 2022. Inspired by her resilience, NBCA established this award in 2023 to honor Jennifer’s legacy.

Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20) announced Dr. Schaefer’s award during NBCA’s Capitol Hill Day reception. Tonko, who represents the Lufts’ district and is acquainted with the family, was the connector who brought NBCA and the Luft family together to establish this meaningful award.

We would like to congratulate Dr. Schaefer on this well-deserved recognition.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vteresearch #vteclinician #bloodclotresearch #jenniferluft #pulmonaryembolism #pe #patientorientedresearch #emergingclinicians #emergingvteclinicians #CERT @umichmedicine @reppaultonko

Patients, caregivers, advocates, and clinicians me

Patients, caregivers, advocates, and clinicians met with approximately 70 congressional offices in Washington, DC on March 25, 2025 to share their personal blood clot stories and educate lawmakers about this public health crisis.

Even during tough economic times, we can’t ignore the fact that 100,000 people die every year from blood clots, and many of those deaths could have been prevented with education and awareness.

We’re thankful for our community’s support and the positive response from the congressional representatives and staffers. Thank you to all who stand behind the mission and vision of Stop the Clot as we continue to advocate for dedicated federal funding for blood clot education and awareness.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BloodClotAdvocacy #CapitolHillDay #CHD2025

A recent study suggests that GLP-1 medications, co

A recent study suggests that GLP-1 medications, commonly prescribed for managing diabetes and obesity, may also lower the risk of dangerous blood clots.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Rushad Patell of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, joins us for our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. ET to discuss his research.

Dr. Patell, who also serves as chair of NBCA’s Council on Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis, found that people taking GLP-1 drugs were 48% less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism compared to those not on these medications.

While more research is needed, this discovery offers hope for new ways to prevent life-threatening blood clots, particularly for those at higher risk due to diabetes.

Register for our April PEP Talk and read about Dr. Patell's research at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PEPTalk #GLP1 #GLP1Community #GLP1WeightLoss #GLP1Journey #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BloodClotWebinar

Next stop on NBCA's B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour! Jo

Next stop on NBCA's B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour! Join us in Memphis, TN on March 29 at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church for a full day of empowerment and education.

Special guest Julie Cardoso, CEO of Universal Ultrasound, will also conduct free DVT screenings.

“I am honored to be part of NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour in Memphis. As someone who has spent over two decades in the ultrasound field, I am deeply committed to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health. Blood clot awareness is crucial, and being able to provide free DVT screenings and educate the community about this life-saving diagnostic tool is a privilege. I look forward to joining this important event and helping to make a lasting impact in Memphis!” – Julie Cardoso, CEO and Founder of Universal Ultrasound

Huge thank you to Julie and all our Memphis partners! Learn more and register now at the link in bio. All are welcome!

@julie.at.uum @universalultrasound @theblvdmemphis @blackclergy901 @blackclergytn @memphisncbw #StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #NBCABLACKChurchBusTour #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #StoptheClotBusTour #DoYourPartToStopTheClot #Memphis #MemphisTN

🎉 Progress Made for Blood Clot Awareness! 🎉

🎉 Progress Made for Blood Clot Awareness! 🎉

Last night, Senate Resolution 138, recognizing March as Blood Clot Awareness Month, passed unanimously in a bipartisan effort!

This milestone was the perfect way to wrap up the National Blood Clot Alliance’s annual Capitol Hill Day, where 50 passionate advocates met with more than 70 congressional offices, calling for increased support for blood clot awareness, education, and funding.

A HUGE thank you to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for championing this critical effort! 🙏 And thank you to Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) for co-sponsoring the resolution and helping move this forward.

This is a major win for the blood clot community, and we’re just getting started. Let’s keep pushing for progress! 💪

👇 Watch the video from @Forbes Breaking News of Sen. Grassley celebrating the passage of this important resolution! 👇
https://ow.ly/koJu50Vp88Y (or link in bio)

@senatorchuckgrassley @lbr @senatorlujan @senrogermarshall @senatedems @senategop

#StopTheClotDC2025 #StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #SenateResolution #BloodClotAwareness #VTE #CapitolHillDay #NBCA #AdvocacyInAction #ThankYouSenators

🎉 Exciting News from NBCA! 🎉 We are thrille

🎉 Exciting News from NBCA! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, FL, has been designated as a National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Center of Excellence! This prestigious designation honors Ascension Sacred Heart's outstanding commitment to patient-centered care in preventing, diagnosing, and treating blood clots.

The NBCA COE program aims to establish a gold standard for blood clot care by partnering with institutions that embrace multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative treatment approaches, a commitment to ongoing education for both patients and healthcare providers, as well as a deep commitment to their communities.

Dr. Rohit Amin, Interventional Cardiologist at Ascension Sacred Heart, shared, "This designation is a testament to a decade of dedication in PE and DVT patient care. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with our team and community."

We congratulate Ascension Sacred Heart for their exemplary efforts and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing VTE care.

Read the full press release at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClots #VTE #CentersOfExcellence #COE #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #DoYourPartToStopTheClot #VTECentersOfExcellence

The U.S. government is facing deep budget cuts, bu

The U.S. government is facing deep budget cuts, but blood clots — a condition that kills 100,000 people in the U.S. every year — can’t be ignored.

Today, patients, caregivers, advocates, and health care providers are meeting with approximately 70 congressional offices in Washington, DC to share their personal blood clot stories and educate lawmakers about this public health crisis.

We’re thankful for our community’s support and the positive response we’ve received so far from congressional representatives and staffers. Thank you to all who stand behind the mission and vision of Stop the Clot.

Follow along with #StopTheClotDC2025!

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotDC2025 #BloodClots #VTE #CapitolHillDay2025 #BloodClotAwareness #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAdvocacy #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM

Every year, blood clots claim more lives than HIV/

Every year, blood clots claim more lives than HIV/AIDS, car crashes, and breast cancer—combined. Yet, many people don’t realize how common and deadly they are.

Blood clots can happen to anyone, at any age, and knowing the signs can save lives. Watch for symptoms like unexplained swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in the limbs (DVT) and sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness (PE).

Early detection is critical. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek medical attention.

🩸 Help spread awareness—share this post and ‘Do Your Part to Stop the Clot’! 🩸

More shareable life-saving information in our BCAM toolkit at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #BCAM2025 #DeepVeinThrombosis #DVT #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #KnowYourRisk #BloodClotRiskAssessment #DoYourPartToStopTheClot

Dominique, known as “Meeka,” was full of life—an outdoor enthusiast and aspiring game warden. In July 2024, she was told her shoulder pain was a pulled muscle. Days later, she passed away from a pulmonary embolism. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder that blood clots can be missed. Know the signs. Advocate for answers. Swipe through to read her story.

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #FatalPE #BloodClotFatality #Misdiagnosed

Carrying excess weight is a known risk factor for

Carrying excess weight is a known risk factor for blood clots, but could GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro help lower that risk? New research suggests they might.

Join us for our April PEP Talk with Dr. Rushad Patell, hematologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and co-chair of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis. We’ll discuss Dr. Patell’s research into the link between weight and blood clots, the latest findings on GLP-1 medications, and what this could mean for those with a history of clots.

We hope to see you on April 8 at 7 p.m. ET! Register at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PEPTalk #GLP1 #GLP1Community #GLP1WeightLoss #GLP1Journey #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BloodClotWebinar

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