World Thrombosis Day — Sarah Williams on Survival, Awareness and Hope

Today is World Thrombosis Day — a global campaign to raise awareness about one of the world’s most common and preventable health threats: blood clots.
For survivor Sarah Williams, that awareness is personal. Her experience with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) serves as a powerful reminder that these conditions can strike anyone, anywhere, at any age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 900,000 Americans are affected by blood clots each year, and up to 100,000 people die as a result. Globally, the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) estimates that one in four people worldwide die from conditions related to thrombosis. Those numbers underscore why public awareness—and early action—matter so much.

Sarah first shared her story with Allegheny Mountain Radio on March 15th, 2018, describing the shock of her diagnosis and the long recovery that followed. You can revisit that original conversation here:
🎧 March Is Blood Clot Awareness Month – Allegheny Mountain Radio

Since then, she’s continued to speak out, encouraging others to learn the warning signs and take preventive steps that can save lives.

The CDC and World Thrombosis Day campaign recommend these simple, science-based tips to reduce risk:

• Keep moving: Long periods of sitting—during travel or desk work—can slow blood flow. Stand, stretch, and walk every hour.

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration thickens the blood, raising the likelihood of clot formation.

• Know your risks: Recent surgery, pregnancy, hormone therapy, smoking, or a family history of clotting disorders all increase vulnerability.

• Recognize warning signs: Swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in the leg, and sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, demand immediate medical attention.
  (Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; World Thrombosis Day/ISTH)

As Sarah Williams reminds us, awareness is the first step toward prevention—and sharing knowledge can mean the difference between crisis and recovery.