RIDE to RAISE: Supporting Aynslee’s NYC Marathon for NBCA!

In 2023, I was rushed to the ER with severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a perforated stomach ulcer. During this visit, doctors discovered multiple pulmonary embolisms caused by birth control—a finding that turned my world upside down. After being hospitalized for over a week due to multiple pulmonary embolisms, I spent three months on blood thinners and went through the physical and mental challenges of recovery. This experience forced me to confront both the immediate physical impacts and the long-term implications of living with clotting issues, something that I still face today. The journey has been a powerful reminder of how serious and complex these conditions are, and it’s made me committed to raising awareness and supporting those affected by blood clots.

This experience has also driven me to raise awareness among women about the potential risks of birth control pills. Blood clots are a serious but often overlooked side effect, and I believe it’s important for others to understand this risk and know how to advocate for their health. I hope to encourage women to ask questions, explore their options, and become informed about the impact of these medications on their bodies. By sharing my story, I want to empower others to make well-informed choices about their health and well-being.

Blood clots form when the blood thickens and clumps together, typically as a natural response to prevent excessive bleeding. However, clots can also develop unnecessarily, often forming in the deep veins of the legs (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or other parts of the body. When a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, it creates a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can prevent blood from reaching the lungs, depriving the body of oxygen and leading to serious complications.

In the United States, blood clots are a significant health concern, affecting up to 900,000 people each year. Raising awareness about blood clots and their risks is essential to preventing and managing these conditions.

What is the NBCA:

The NBCA is a non profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis, and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as DVT’s and PE’s. NBCA works on behalf of people who may be susceptible to blood clots, including, but not limited to, people with clotting disorders, atrial fibrillation, cancer, traumatic injury, and risks related to surgery, lengthy immobility, child birth and birth control. NBCA accomplishes its mission through programs that build public awareness, educate patients and healthcare professionals, and promote supportive public and private sector policy.

Details: 

Her goal is to raise $5,000 for the National Blood Clot Alliance to support education, advocacy, and research.

The NY Marathon is November 2nd, 2025.