Karen Khodadadi's Fundraiser:

My Story

I am running the New York Marathon to raise funds on behalf of the National Blood Clot Alliance, a voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and clot-provoked stroke. 

As many of you know, I experienced bilateral pulmonary emoboli (over 20 clots in both lungs) in July 2010.  As a veteran of over 50 marathons, I was the last person on earth I would have expected to be gasping for air after a routine run.  I literally felt like someone was putting a pillow over my head and smothering me. 

I saw my internist the next day who performed a series of tests in his office and sent me home.  I am SO thankful for my brother Gary, my tele-doctor in the Chicago area, who insisted I get myself to the emergency room.  From my description, he felt certain that I had blood clots in my lungs.  The fatality rate for a pulmonary embolism is 60%, so I count my blessings everyday.  Since my PEs, I have run 10 marathons.  With every step I take, I realize how lucky I am to be here, let alone still able to do the thing I love so much – run.   

I am so excited about the opportunity to run New York on behalf of “Stop the Clot” and build awareness of how to prevent blood clots.  I hope you will consider supporting this important cause!

Karen

Information about Stop the Clot

Chances are you, or someone you know has had a blood clot.  It may have been called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE), but nonetheless, in everyday terms, it was a blood clot.  And, there's a good chance it was very serious, maybe even fatal.  In the state of New York alone, the Surgeon General estimates there are over 6300 deaths per year due to DVTs and PEs.  That’s more than 17 people dying each day – just in New York.  You can check out the stats for your state, by clicking here.

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. 

We're a non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and clot-provoked stroke. 

We accomplish our mission through programs that build public awareness, educate patients and healthcare professionals and promote supportive public and private sector policy.  What better opportunity for public awareness than this partnership with the ING / New York City Marathon!  We're thrilled!  And, we’re even more thrilled that you’re here to help make this partnership and our mission succeed!

So, thank you for supporting our important cause! Together, we'll reach the finish line for the marathon and hopefully, for blood clots.