International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis

On October 13th, 2025, I will be walking from the top to the bottom of Manhattan to raise money for the World Thrombosis Day campaign. World Thrombosis Day, founded by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), is a global initiative held annually on October 13th. Their mission is to raise awareness about thrombosis, a condition often underestimated and misunderstood.

I discovered this wonderful organization after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism in March of 2024. During that month, I was experiencing severe pain in my back, along with extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and exhaustion from simple tasks such as walking up the stairs. My symptoms began around the same time that we lost a very dear friend of ours, and my doctors were certain that I was just stressed, grieving, and “needed a massage”.

I knew something wasn’t right so I went to the emergency room and was told I had pneumonia, which I exhibited no symptoms for. After 10 days of taking antibiotics and my pain getting worse, I went back to my doctor who suggested maybe I should get a D Dimer test — a test that may suggest you have a blood clot. Sure enough, my levels were extremely high and they told me to go to the emergency room right away. With the correct tests, the doctors at the ER found two pulmonary embolists, blood clots in my lung.

Even after my blood clot was diagnosed, my doctors didn’t feel it was necessary to test for genetic or autoimmune blood clotting disorders. Since I was on estrogen birth control, they assumed the clot was likely from that. However, I pushed to get this testing done and found out that I have both genetic and autoimmune clotting disorders.

Had I not vouched for myself and advocated for my pain, I may not be here today. Thrombotic events are not talked about enough to young women. For 3 weeks, doctors misunderstood my symptoms and it could have cost me my life.

Some things I learned from this experience:

1. Nobody else knows exactly how you feel. Advocate for yourself and listen to your body.

2. Get tested for blood clotting disorders before going on estrogen birth control — it is more common than you would think.

3. The mind and the body are extremely connected. Be sure to take care of yourself during stressful times.

I cannot thank my family, friends, and doctors enough for the endless support through this incredibly tough time. I am thankful that my NYC doctors led me to this organization so that we can come together to help educate others on thrombosis.

I am asking for you to consider donating to my World Thrombosis Day Walk. Your participation can help inspire positive change and ensure that more individuals are informed, protected and empowered against this often silent threat.

To sponsor me on my Manhattan Thrombosis Walk, you can either:

A: Donate a flat fee in support of the walk

or

B: Donate per mile (~15 miles):

- $2 per mile - $30 total

- $5 per mile - $75 total

- $10 per mile - $150 total

- $15 per mile - $225 total

Your support means the world to me! Thank you!

Carly Weinstein ❤️

The Claire McLintock Memorial Award

In honor of Claire McLintock, M.D., a visionary leader in the field of obstetric hematology, the ISTH invites you to join us in supporting a cause that was close to her heart—women's health.

About Claire McLintock

Claire McLintock, a distinguished hematologist and ISTH leader, passed away on December 23, 2022, at the age of 57. Originally from Scotland, Claire immigrated to New Zealand in 1990 and became a globally recognized expert in thrombosis and hemostasis, particularly in women’s health. She was deeply passionate about improving care for women with bleeding and clotting disorders, especially during pregnancy. Her groundbreaking work in anticoagulation for women with mechanical heart valves has saved and improved countless lives.

Throughout her career, Claire held several leadership roles within the ISTH, including serving as ISTH President from 2018-2020, Chair of the Education Committee and a founding member of the World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee. In memory of her remarkable contributions to hematology, we are proud to establish the Claire McLintock Memorial Award.

The award’s mission

This award aims to nurture the next generation of leaders by providing comprehensive support and resources to lead and present on a clinical or research topic. Applicants are encouraged to work with senior leadership to develop a project on the clinical syndromes of thrombosis and hemostasis related to women at various stages in their lives. The award is open to hematologists, obstetricians and gynecologists, laboratory scientists, and epidemiologists. The award will provide the opportunity to engage with the ISTH community in clinical practice, research or public health initiatives that address challenges and improve outcomes related to thrombosis and hemostasis in women's health.

Your donation will help provide essential training and awareness that will directly improve the care of women experiencing these complex and often life-threatening conditions. With your support, we can carry forward Claire’s mission of ensuring that every woman receives the best care possible.

How you can help

By contributing to the Claire McLintock Memorial Award, you are making a lasting impact on the lives of women and their families globally.

Whether you can give a little or a lot, your generosity will help fund educational initiatives and training that helps save lives. Claire’s work touched countless individuals, and with your help, her legacy will continue to inspire progress in women’s health for years to come.

Please donate today and help us honor Claire McLintock’s extraordinary life by supporting a cause that she held dear.