
AWARENESS | EDUCATION | SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS
Real stories. Real people. Real impact.
Discover how blood clots change lives—and how patients fight back.
From deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) to stroke and long-term anticoagulant therapy, these personal journeys shed light on the signs, symptoms, treatments, and emotional impact of living with a blood clot or vascular condition.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, caring for someone with thrombosis, or simply looking to understand more—these stories are for you.

Brian
"When Heidi was diagnosed with multiple pulmonary embolisms (PE) in July 2005, our lives changed forever. The fear of losing her to this 'silent killer' was immediate and overwhelming."
DVT
PE Support Group
Read more

Chelsey
"At just 31, my life changed forever on a random Wednesday in October 2022. A sudden massive bilateral pulmonary embolism with heart and respiratory failure left me unconscious on my basement floor and fighting for my life in the ICU."
PE
Heart Failure
Read more

Deborah
People die from clotting events. This was true in the 'stone age,' before Factor V Leiden (FVL) and other clotting disorders were identified, and it is still true today.
Stroke
Heart Health
Read more

Dennis
"Recently, I was out for my typical early morning six-mile run. Two miles in, I suddenly started seeing double, the world was tilting, and I couldn't continue."
Blood Clot
Stroke
Read more

Jared
March 15, 2015 is a date that probably doesn't stand out to most of us – but Jared remembers that day clearly. It was the day he was hospitalized with a nearly fatal pulmonary embolism (PE).
PE
Travel
Read more

Mark
Mark's life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot in the lungs.
PE
Follow-up Care
Read more

Mary Beth
In the spring of 2001, Mary Beth underwent foot surgery. A week later, she developed excruciating pain in her right leg that turned out to be a DVT extending from her ankle to her mid-thigh.
High-risk
DVT/PE
Read more

Melissa
"In the winter of 2007, Melissa Hogan woke up with a swollen leg and ankle. As a healthy 24-year-old, she had no idea what was causing the swelling."
Swollen Leg
Anticoagulation
Read more

Nancy
Just two days before her 70th birthday, Nancy Marriott was rushed to the ER in Boulder, Colorado with severe shortness of breath and near-fainting episodes. Diagnosed with massive saddle pulmonary embolisms (PEs), she was on the brink of death.
PE
Near-Fainting
Read more
Load More
Explore our latest resources

Learn with VLN
Featured
Can Diabetes Increase Your Risk of Blood Clots?
For more than 50 years, warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were the only oral anticoagulants available to treat and prevent blood clots. While effective, warfarin presents significant challenges, including the risk of serious bleeding and the need for frequent blood monitoring.

Newly Diagnosed Patients
Featured
The First Six Months and What to Expect: A Look at Life After a Blood Clot
Once you’ve had a blood clot, your body might break it down and absorb it, depending on its size and location. In other cases, your body might not absorb the clot(s) but can still function without any problems. With this new challenge in your life, VLN has put together a general guide to help you navigate the future.