Carly Weinstein’s World Thrombosis Day Walk

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 ❤️