Home / December 2019

December 2019

DECEMBER E-NEWSLETTER | SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM NBCA

This past year gave way to many shining moments for the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), as …

Read the full story

Current News

Protected: March is Blood Clot Awareness Month

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month (BCAM), a time dedicated to spreading the word about blood clots and their potentially…

Get the full story »

Heather Beissel

Meet the Recepients of the 2024 NBCA Community Thrombassador Awards

On January 18, 2025, NBCA Community Thrombassadors – a network of patients and caregivers trained to spread blood clot education,…

Get the full story »

Get more news »

Follow us on Instagram

stoptheclot

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

Blood Clot Awareness Month kicks off in one week!

Blood Clot Awareness Month kicks off in one week!

Let’s all take action and “Do Your Part to Stop the Clot” by engaging communities, colleagues, and loved ones in raising awareness about blood clots.

Everyone — the patient community, healthcare community, and broader public — plays an important role in saving lives.

We invite you to use our 2025 Blood Clot Awareness Month Toolkit, filled with essential messaging, digital tools, and resources to empower you to raise blood clot awareness in your world.

Download the toolkit and learn more about BCAM at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotawarenessmonth #bcam2025 #vte #dvt #pe #deepveinthrombosis #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

More people die of pulmonary embolism (blood clot

More people die of pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) than breast cancer, car crashes, and AIDS combined. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs and symptoms.

Blood Clot Awareness Month starts in less than 10 days. If you’ve been struggling with your weight, we are here with you.

We created the 100,000 Reasons Challenge to encourage everyone to increase their daily active minutes, which can help to prevent pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, and to honor the 100,000 Americans who die every year from these often preventable conditions.

The challenge kicks off March 1—but you can set up your page and start fundraising any time. Let’s make every move count!

👉 Sign up today to secure your registration before prices increase next week: bit.ly/100kReasons2025 (link in bio)

#stoptheclot #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2025 #100KReasonsChallenge #100KReasonsChallenge2025 #RaceToStopTheClot #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #BCAM2025 #movetostoptheclot

Today, on National Caregivers Day, we recognize th

Today, on National Caregivers Day, we recognize the dedicated people who provide unwavering care and support—both physical and emotional—to those affected by blood clots.

Their compassion, patience, and strength make an immeasurable impact on the lives of patients navigating diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Whether they are family members, friends, or professional caregivers, their role is invaluable.

To all caregivers—thank you for everything you do. The National Blood Clot Alliance offers resources and support for those caring for loved ones with blood clots.

Check out our caregiver resources at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #nationalcaregiversday #caregivers #caregiving #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention

Sara was training for her second marathon when une

Sara was training for her second marathon when unexplained pain, breathlessness, and a racing heart turned out to be blood clots in her lungs. Dismissed at first, she credits her PCP for pushing for answers. Now, she’s sharing her story to help others recognize the signs. Swipe through to read Sara's story. For more patient stories, go to the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #marathon #athlete #birthcontrol #estrogen #knowyourrisk #pulmonaryembolism #deepveinthrombosis #pe #dvt #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #gaslit

San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama has bee

San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, the team announced today. He is expected to miss the remainder of the basketball season.

The National Blood Clot Alliance sends well wishes to Wembanyama for a swift and full recovery.

Wembanyama, considered a top-10 player in the NBA, joins other star athletes who have suffered from blood clots, including Trey Smith, who played in two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs; Katie Hoff, Olympic swimmer and medalist; and Chris Bosh, former professional basketball player.

Learn about the blood clot risk factors associated with athletes at the link in bio.

@spurs @wemby @nba @ktthoff7 @trey_smith @chrisbosh

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #sanantoniospurs #victorwembanyama #athletesandbloodclots #knowyourrisk #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness

🌟 Honoring History, Building a Healthier Future

🌟 Honoring History, Building a Healthier Future

This Black History Month, we recognize the health disparities Black and Brown communities have faced throughout history while honoring the legacy of Dr. James McCune Smith, the first Black American to earn a medical degree. His pioneering achievements paved the way for greater diversity in healthcare, yet systemic racism and discrimination continue to have a profound impact on the health of Black and Brown individuals, affecting health outcomes, access, and the prevalence of chronic diseases and medical conditions, including blood clots.

But reflection alone isn't enough. Now is the time for action.

To help address these health disparities, the National Blood Clot Alliance is launching the B.L.A.C.K. (Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge) Church Bus Tour in March for Blood Clot Awareness Month. This public health initiative will travel to churches and community hospitals across six Southern regions where more than 55% of all Black Americans live, delivering life-saving education about blood clots.

NBCA is honored to partner with so many outstanding community organizations to address health disparities head-on.

Together, we will continue to advocate for lasting change and work toward equitable health for all Americans.

Follow @StoptheClot and #StoptheClotBusTour to join us on this journey.

Learn more at the link in bio.

@ebc_charlotte @theharvestbwc @theblvdmemphis @blackclergy901 @blackclergytn @ncbwaaco @oakgrovemissionary @novanthealth @namicommunicate @oakstreethealth @cwwchc

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #bhm2025 #healthdisparities #healthinequality #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #amplifyblackvoices #stoptheclotbustour

Every year, 100,000 lives are lost to preventable

Every year, 100,000 lives are lost to preventable blood clots. This March, during Blood Clot Awareness Month, your company can make a difference by joining the 100,000 Reasons Challenge—a movement to raise awareness and honor those who have lost their lives.

How you can help:

- Ask Your Employer to Become a Corporate Sponsor
Encourage your company to support this critical cause! Sponsorship includes recognition in national communications, social media, and campaign materials, positioning your company as a leader in health advocacy and employee wellness.

- Start a Challenge Team
Rally your colleagues to walk, run, ride, or move throughout March to honor lives lost to blood clots. Team members can log their activity, support each other, and help drive awareness.

Your voice can inspire action! Ask your employer today about corporate sponsorship and team opportunities.

Join the movement! Learn more at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawarenessmonth #bcam #bcam2025 #bloodclotsponsorship #bloodclotadvocacy #corporatesponsor #movetostoptheclot

What seemed like a simple calf ache turned into a

What seemed like a simple calf ache turned into a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Misdiagnosed at first, Molly didn’t realize the danger she was in until it was almost too late. Now, she’s sharing her story to raise awareness because blood clots are more common than you think, and so is misdiagnosis. Swipe through to read Molly's story.

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #vte #birthcontrol #estrogen #knowyourrisk #pulmonaryembolism #deepveinthrombosis #pe #dvt #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thrombectomy

Have you experienced a blood clot? American Ninja

Have you experienced a blood clot? American Ninja Warrior Caleb Benson shares how important it is to get on your feet and get your body moving again after a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis—both for your physical and metal health.

That’s why we encourage you to join the 100,000 Reasons Challenge during March, which is Blood Clot Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to get moving and honor the 100,000 Americans who lose their lives annually to blood clots. Together, we can stop the clot!

We have less than two weeks to go before prices increase and the 100,000 Reasons Challenge kicks off. Register: bit.ly/100kReasons2025 (link in bio)

@flipsideinija_caleb #stoptheclot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2025 #100KReasonsChallenge #100KReasonsChallenge2025 #RaceToStopTheClot #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #MovetoStoptheClot

When Xio fell from an electric scooter, it led to

When Xio fell from an electric scooter, it led to more than just a leg injury—it resulted in a diagnosis of multiple DVTs and May-Thurner syndrome. Now on anticoagulants and managing post-thrombotic anxiety, she’s staying positive and focused on recovery. Swipe through to read Xio's full story 👈

More patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #vte #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #knowyourrisk #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #injury #maythurnersyndrome #mts #healthanxiety

Navigating life after a blood clot can be overwhel

Navigating life after a blood clot can be overwhelming, but support makes all the difference. Did you know that the National Blood Clot Alliance has an online support group for blood clot survivors? It offers a safe space to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement from those who understand.

Join our community and know that you have support every step of the way.

👉 All are welcome! Join here at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotsupportgroup #facebooksupportgroup #bloodclotrecovery #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #pe #pulmonaryembolism #dvt #deepveinthrombosis

At 31 weeks pregnant, Ashley was told her leg pain

At 31 weeks pregnant, Ashley was told her leg pain was sciatica—but it was an extensive DVT. Trusting her instincts saved her life. Later diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome, she now reminds others: Advocate for yourself and listen to your body. Swipe through to read her story.

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #vte #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #childbirth #pregnancy #knowyourrisk #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

Thank you to everyone who joined our informative F

Thank you to everyone who joined our informative February PEP Talk on medical procedures and blood clots.

In this clip, Dr. Jacob Cogan of the University of Minnesota explains why surgery, particularly involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or knee, is a risk factor for blood clots.

At the PEP Talk link in bio, watch the full recording and register for our March event.

#stoptheclot #peptalk #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #anticoagulants #bloodthinners #bleeding #medicalproceduresandbloodclots #surgery #knowyourrisk

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Internation

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a milestone in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

Gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for everyone, but women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers.

The National Blood Clot Alliance is proud to share that women make up 60% of our Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis (CERT), a significantly higher number compared to the overall rate of women in STEM fields in the U.S., which is 34%.

Bravo to Dr. Dana Angelini and Dr. Rushad Patell, co-chairs of CERT, for leading this effort to help close the #gendergap in science!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #thrombosis #stem #internationaldayofwomenandgirlsinscience #womeninscience #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotresearch #bloodcloteducation

HAPPENING TONIGHT: Our February PEP Talk on medica

HAPPENING TONIGHT: Our February PEP Talk on medical procedures and blood clots kicks off this evening at 7 p.m. ET.

Learn about the special precautions that people who are on an anticoagulant may need to take before surgical procedures to minimize bleeding risks while also preventing blood clots. The specific approach depends on the type of procedure, the individual’s risk factors, and the blood thinner they are taking.

We hope you can join us! Learn more and register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #peptalk #livewebinar #bloodclotwebinar #bleedingrisks #knowyourrisk #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Season 2, Epis

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Season 2, Episode 6 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from Loren Ridinger, entrepreneur and co-founder of Market America and shop.com.

In 2022, her husband and business partner of more than three decades, JR Ridinger, died of a pulmonary embolism while sailing on a yacht in Croatia.

Loren discusses her husband’s life and legacy as well as the launch of her new memoir, “Scrambled or Sunny Side Up? Living Your Best Life After Losing Your Greatest Love,” also out today (foreward written by Serena Williams).

Thank you, Loren, for courageously sharing your heartbreaking story and spreading much-needed blood clot awareness in JR’s memory. Your efforts will undoubtedly save lives and touch the hearts of countless others.

Listen at the link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts.

@lorenridinger @shopcom @marketamerica @serenawilliams

#stoptheclot #takingabreath #bloodclots #bloodclotpodcast #pe #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotfatality #fatalpe #jrridinger #lorenridinger #marketamerica #shop.com #scrambledorsunnysideup #serenawilliams #bloodclotmemoir

It’s often necessary to undergo medical procedur

It’s often necessary to undergo medical procedures to maintain your health, but people who take blood thinners or at increased clotting risk may need to take extra precautions before/after procedures such as:

- Dental work
- LASIK surgery
- Colonoscopies
- Biopsies
- IUD insertion
- Joint injections

Join us for our next PEP Talk TOMORRW, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. ET to understand how routine medical interventions like these influence clotting risks, how anticoagulation management varies based on your medication and dosage, and learn practical strategies to navigate procedures safely. We hope you’ll join us!

Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #peptalk #livewebinar #bloodclotwebinar #bleedingrisks #knowyourrisk #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

A series of circumstances — childbirth, surgery,

A series of circumstances — childbirth, surgery, and COVID-19 — resulted in Vanessa experiencing a DVT and PE in 2022. Swipe through to read her story. Plus, register at the link in bio for tomorrow night’s PEP Talk, where we discuss medical procedures and blood clots: bit.ly/Feb2025PEPTalk (link in bio)

#stoptheclot

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Medical Procedures and Blood

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Medical Procedures and Blood Clots — What You Need to Know

If you take blood thinners or have a history of blood clots, routine medical procedures may require extra planning to ensure your safety.

Join us tomorrow evening, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. ET, for our next patient-led PEP Talk to explore how medical interventions can impact clotting risks and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Dr. Jacob Cogan, hematologist at the University of Minnesota, will join us to discuss:

- How common procedures may affect blood clot risk.
- Key questions to ask your doctor before undergoing a procedure.
- Best practices for managing anticoagulation before and after treatment.
- Signs of potential complications and when to seek medical help.

Why This Matters:

Your health decisions should be informed and empowered. Whether you're planning for a procedure now or simply want to be prepared for the future, this session will provide expert insights and practical guidance to help you navigate your care with confidence.

📅 Register at the link in bio.

P.S.: If you can’t attend the live event, register to receive the recording in your inbox.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #peptalk #livewebinar #bloodclotwebinar #bleedingrisks #knowyourrisk #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

Tomorrow on the podcast: @lorenridinger opens up a

Tomorrow on the podcast: @lorenridinger opens up about the devastating loss of her husband of 36 years and business partner, JR. Together, they founded @MarketAmerica and @SHOPcom. When JR died of a pulmonary embolism in 2022, Loren was forced to navigate overwhelming grief while trying to maintain the legacy they built together.

In the latest episode of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast, which drops tomorrow, Feb. 11, Loren tells her story and how she finds the strength to keep moving forward through grief.

“I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what,” Loren said. “I tortured myself. Why didn’t I catch this, and why aren’t we aren’t we giving more education?”

Subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your podcasts and listen to Loren’s powerful story tomorrow! Link to the podcast is in our bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #takingabreath #bloodclotpodcast #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #fatalpe #pulmonaryembolism #marketamerica #lorenridinger #jrridinger #jrforever #griefjourney #scrambledorsunnysideup

Load More Follow on Instagram