Home / Volunteer Spotlights / Kristin Billings Turns Used Sneakers Into Donations for NBCA

Kristin Billings Turns Used Sneakers Into Donations for NBCA

Kristin Billings Turns Used Sneakers Into Donations for NBCA

As an NBCA Community Thrombassador, Kristin regularly speaks about her blood clot experience and her pageant work allows her to amplify her message. Now, Kristin is taking her awareness efforts a step further by teaming up with Got Sneakers, an organization that collects used sneakers and recycles them, reducing the waste dumped in landfills.

Each pair of sneakers that Kristin donates results in a donation to NBCA. Thank you, Kristin, and congratulations on being named Volunteer of the Month!

Interested in spearheading a fundraiser or awareness initiative? Contact tpatrikis@stoptheclot.org for more information.

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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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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…

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

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

Next weekend, Blood Clot Awareness Month wraps up

Next weekend, Blood Clot Awareness Month wraps up with community awareness walks on both coasts!

🩸 Join the Visalia Medical Clinic in Visalia, CA on Saturday, March 29 for Clot Walk 2025, a family-friendly event to raise blood clot awareness. The event includes vendors, a raffle drawing, snacks, and a blood drive, plus attendees can snag a free T-shirt while supplies last.

🩸 A 5K Fun Run and Walk for Blood Clot Awareness, hosted by the Vein and Vascular Institute, takes place on Sunday, March 30 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ. The event will provide resources on the risks, symptoms, prevention and diagnosis of blood clots.

Whether you're on the West Coast or East Coast, you can make a difference.

If you can’t attend either event, you can still join the movement by registering for our 100,000 Reasons Challenge. Links to register for all events are at the link in bio!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #FunRun #BloodClotAwarenessEvent #DoYourPartToStopTheClot #MoveToStopTheClot #WalkToStopTheClot @adventisthealth @veinvascularinstitute

Blood clot survivors: Ready to ride for your healt

Blood clot survivors: Ready to ride for your health and a cause?

Join Team Stop the Clot for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday, May 4, 2025! Cycling through all five boroughs of New York City on car-free streets isn’t just an incredible experience—it’s also a great way to stay active and help prevent blood clots.

Regular movement, like biking, supports circulation and lowers clot risk. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just love a casual ride, this is the perfect opportunity to set a goal, train, and ride for your health—while supporting NBCA’s mission to save lives.

We have 14 bibs up for grabs! Apply at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #BikeNewYork #nyccycling #bicycling
#bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention #charityride #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient

Misdiagnosed with bronchitis, Ana switched doctors

Misdiagnosed with bronchitis, Ana switched doctors and was diagnosed with DVT, PE, and later CTEPH. When blood thinners failed, she underwent life-saving heart surgery in 2022. While the experience affected her mental health, it also fueled her passion for advocacy, especially among women. Swipe through to read Ana’s story in her own words.

Read more stories at the link in bio.

@wakawakanaaa

No one is immune to blood clots—they can affect

No one is immune to blood clots—they can affect anyone. But many can be prevented with awareness and action.

During Blood Clot Awareness Month, take a moment to understand your risk, then ‘Do Your Part to Stop the Clot’ by sharing this lifesaving information with others.

Certain factors—like hospitalization, surgery, pregnancy, cancer, and family history—can increase the chances of a blood clot developing. Knowing these risks is the first step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. At the link in bio, assess your risk and learn how to stay safe.

For women, birth control, pregnancy, hormone therapy, and certain medical conditions can further increase the risk of blood clots. Use our risk assessment checklist at the link in bio.

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

What is PEP Talk? Launched by the National Blood

What is PEP Talk?

Launched by the National Blood Clot Alliance in 2022, PEP Talks are free, monthly educational webinars designed to empower and inform people affected by blood clots.

Hosted by two blood clot survivors, our PEP Talks invite medical experts involved in the diagnosis and treatment of blood clot patients to discuss topics such as:

✔️ Compression
✔️ Post-thrombotic syndrome
✔️ Managing anticoagulants safely
✔️ Exercise after a blood clot
✔️ Physical and emotional recovery

Thousands of blood clot survivors, caregivers, and advocates have attended our PEP Talks, with thousands more viewing the recordings on YouTube.

Patients consistently share how these webinars help them feel informed and supported.

“We’re filling a gap in patient care and bringing medical experts into the patients’ house to share information that they most likely have not received from their own doctors,” said Leslie Lake, NBCA volunteer president and PEP Talk co-host, along with Todd Robertson, NBCA patient liaison and board member.

Join us on the second Tuesday of every month! Check out our 2025 PEP Talk scheduled topics and register at the link in bio.

Have you attended a PEP Talk? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

#stoptheclot #bcam #bcam2024 #peptalk #livewebinar #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotprevention #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #dvt #deepveinthrombosis #pe #pulmonaryembolism #vte

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 2, Episod

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 2, Episode 7 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from professional distance runner and ultramarathoner, Sage Canaday.

As an athlete, Sage knows his body very well, but he faced an unprecedented roadblock in 2021 when he began experiencing back pain, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.

He was misdiagnosed with pneumonia and suffered through his increasingly severe symptoms for five weeks before he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

Thank you, Sage, for ‘Doing Your Part to Stop the Clot’ by sharing your story and spreading awareness. Listen at the link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts.

@sagecanaday

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #BCAM2025 #TakingABreath #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClotPodcast #SageCanaday #BloodClotSurvivorStory #ProfessionalRunner #AthletesAndBloodClots #DoYourPartToStopTheClot

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