Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast

In one singular instant, the entirety of your life can shift. When a pulmonary embolism strikes and takes the life of the one you love, how is there any way to move forward? On this episode of Taking a Breath we are joined Kette Dornbusch in remembrance of his wife Amy Dew Dornbusch who experienced a fatal PE. What does life look like on the other side of such a debilitating tragedy? How does activism help shape the experience knowing your perspective is saving countless lives? How do we work together to end such needless loss? Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community on the journey to shaping the future of blood clot awareness. Meet Our Guest Kette Dornbusch Kette lives in Oxford, Mississippi and is Father to six wonderful children. Kette continues his advocacy through his work with Penumbra and their goal of blood clot reduction through innovative medical devices. About NBCA The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), 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 and pulmonary embolism. 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. Our Hosts Leslie Lake In 2018, Leslie suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Her quest to learn more about venous thromboembolism (VTE) lead her to the National Blood Clot Alliance Despite living in New York City, Leslie was shocked by the lack of information available to her after her PE. As Board President, Leslie is committed to raising public awareness so no person affected by blood clots is without the necessary information they need to prevent or successfully treat VTE, and that they also have the information they need to navigate the spectrum of lifestyle issues that can follow a blood clot diagnosis. Leslie holds a BS in Economics from Simmons College, where she is also a Trustee, member of the Finance and Investment Committees, and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is also Board member of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Society of North America (THSNA) and External Advisory Board member of CanVECTOR. Todd Robertson Todd is the Patient Engagement Liaison for The National Blood Alliance. In 2011, Todd suffered the first of seven blood clots and in 2017 experienced a close call with his first pulmonary embolism. He is a carrier of the inherited clotting disorder, factor V Leiden, and is homozygous, making him aggressive in the abnormal clotting department. He is a motivational speaker for blood clot trauma recovery and is a local patient advocate for new patients. He is working on his first book, “Blood Clots: A Road Map to Recovery.” Todd runs several Facebook support groups and has developed a level of trust and friendship with thousands of patients over the years. He loves to road and mountain bike, white water canoe, and stays active all year round. Links Stop the Clot Donation Page YouTube Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn BlueSky TikTok #podcast #health #Pulmonaryembolism #PE

As a parent, your children are your world. From the moment they are born you become so enraptured in their well being and are driven by your ability to keep them safe, happy and healthy. When life throws a vicious unknown your way that jeopardizes your child's life without any inkling of what it is, how it got here or why it's happening to them, as a parent, what can you do? On this episode of Taking A Breath we are joined by Jeff and Jake Culler, a father and son who, on one particularly harrowing night, were thrown into a whirlwind of the unimaginable when an unprecedented Pulmonary Embolism presented in Jake’s body. What do you do when the unimaginable experience of an almost impossibly large PE grinds your life to a sudden and tumultuous halt? As a child, how do you accurately receive the information of such a life threatening diagnosis? What happens when a PE returns mere hours after its removal? Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community on the journey to shaping the future of blood clot awareness. Meet Our Guests Jeff Culler and Jake Culler Jeff and Jake live in Colorado. Jake will be a Senior in high school starting next year and is looking forward to a year of track records and celebration. Jeff loves the outdoors and the lush nature of the Colorado landscape alongside his wife and two other children. Together they also have two wonderful dogs. About NBCA The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), 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 and pulmonary embolism. 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. Our Hosts Leslie Lake In 2018, Leslie suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Her quest to learn more about venous thromboembolism (VTE) lead her to the National Blood Clot Alliance Despite living in New York City, Leslie was shocked by the lack of information available to her after her PE. As Board President, Leslie is committed to raising public awareness so no person affected by blood clots is without the necessary information they need to prevent or successfully treat VTE, and that they also have the information they need to navigate the spectrum of lifestyle issues that can follow a blood clot diagnosis. Leslie holds a BS in Economics from Simmons College, where she is also a Trustee, member of the Finance and Investment Committees, and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is also Board member of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Society of North America (THSNA) and External Advisory Board member of CanVECTOR. Todd Robertson Todd is the Patient Engagement Liaison for The National Blood Alliance. In 2011, Todd suffered the first of seven blood clots and in 2017 experienced a close call with his first pulmonary embolism. He is a carrier of the inherited clotting disorder, factor V Leiden, and is homozygous, making him aggressive in the abnormal clotting department. He is a motivational speaker for blood clot trauma recovery and is a local patient advocate for new patients. He is working on his first book, “Blood Clots: A Road Map to Recovery.” Todd runs several Facebook support groups and has developed a level of trust and friendship with thousands of patients over the years. He loves to road and mountain bike, white water canoe, and stays active all year round. Links https://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclot Facebook: facebook.com/stoptheclot Instagram: instagram.com/stoptheclot X: x.com/StopTheClot LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-alliance BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.social TikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot #podcast #health #Pulmonaryembolism #PE #takingabreath

Peak Athleticism is not easy to come by. It takes years of consistent and often grueling determination, will, skill and a drive that few possess. Even in the most ideal physical circumstances where health and bodily consideration is paramount, blood clots have a habit of finding their way through. On this episode of Taking A Breath we are joined by Professional Road and Track Cyclist Michael Matthews to share his experience suffering a sudden and life threatening pulmonary embolism during an altitude training camp. What goes on in the mind of an athlete through something so debilitating and unexpected? What does the future hold for Michael as a blood clot survivor and world renowned cyclist? How do we change the expectation around who does and does not experience these harrowing events? Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community on the journey to shaping the future of blood clot awareness. Meet Our Guests Michael Matthews Michael is an Australian Professional Road and Track Cyclist celebrated for his unprecedented and meteoric rise and early title of Under 23 Road Race World Champion altho age of 20. He won stages in all three grand tours (Tour de France: 4 individual stage victories 2016, 2017, 2022 ; Giro d'Italia: 3 individual stages 2014, 2015, 2023 ; Vuelta a España: 3 individual stages 2013, 2014) one of a handful of cyclists to achieve said accomplishment. Michael is also a Father and Husband and celebrated worldwide as a world class athlete. About NBCA The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), 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 and pulmonary embolism. 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. Our Hosts Leslie Lake In 2018, Leslie suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Her quest to learn more about venous thromboembolism (VTE) lead her to the National Blood Clot Alliance Despite living in New York City, Leslie was shocked by the lack of information available to her after her PE. As Board President, Leslie is committed to raising public awareness so no person affected by blood clots is without the necessary information they need to prevent or successfully treat VTE, and that they also have the information they need to navigate the spectrum of lifestyle issues that can follow a blood clot diagnosis. Leslie holds a BS in Economics from Simmons College, where she is also a Trustee, member of the Finance and Investment Committees, and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is also Board member of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Society of North America (THSNA) and External Advisory Board member of CanVECTOR. Todd Robertson Todd is the Patient Engagement Liaison for The National Blood Alliance. In 2011, Todd suffered the first of seven blood clots and in 2017 experienced a close call with his first pulmonary embolism. He is a carrier of the inherited clotting disorder, factor V Leiden, and is homozygous, making him aggressive in the abnormal clotting department. He is a motivational speaker for blood clot trauma recovery and is a local patient advocate for new patients. He is working on his first book, “Blood Clots: A Road Map to Recovery.” Todd runs several Facebook support groups and has developed a level of trust and friendship with thousands of patients over the years. He loves to road and mountain bike, white water canoe, and stays active all year round. Links https://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclot Facebook: facebook.com/stoptheclot Instagram: instagram.com/stoptheclot X: x.com/StopTheClot LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-alliance BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.social TikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot #podcast #health #cycling

Blood clots are unexpected. They arrive and shift your life down the path of the unimaginable. As parents, we do everything within our power to protect our children. When it comes to an unexpected clotting event, how do you navigate being there for your loved one? How do you reconcile with the sudden and immediate loss of a child? In this episode of Taking a Breath, we’re joined by Sara Wassenaar to discuss the harrowing experience of losing a child to a blood clot. Together we remember and celebrate the life of her daughter, Anna Frutiger, and the next steps for actionable change in blood clot prevention and awareness. We are also joined by Congresswoman Hillary J Scholten from Michigan’s Third District to discuss legislative action and what blood clot prevention looks like in the state of Michigan and Nationwide. Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community on the journey to shaping the future of blood clot awareness. Meet Our Guests Sara Wassenaar Sara Wassenaar is a Mother, Blood Clot Prevention Advocate and Volunteer Chair for the NBCA. Through her advocacy and consistent fight for blood clot awareness, Sara has laid the groundwork for systemic change nationwide. Congresswoman Hillary J Scholten Congresswoman Scholten is the first Woman and Mother to Represent Michigans 3rd District. Congresswoman Scholten is a fourth-generation West Michigander, a mom, a Christian, and an attorney who proudly served in the U.S. Department of Justice. About NBCA The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), 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 and pulmonary embolism. 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. Our Hosts Leslie Lake In 2018, Leslie suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Her quest to learn more about venous thromboembolism (VTE) lead her to the National Blood Clot Alliance Despite living in New York City, Leslie was shocked by the lack of information available to her after her PE. As Board President, Leslie is committed to raising public awareness so no person affected by blood clots is without the necessary information they need to prevent or successfully treat VTE, and that they also have the information they need to navigate the spectrum of lifestyle issues that can follow a blood clot diagnosis. Leslie holds a BS in Economics from Simmons College, where she is also a Trustee, member of the Finance and Investment Committees, and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is also Board member of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Society of North America (THSNA) and External Advisory Board member of CanVECTOR. Todd Robertson Todd is the Patient Engagement Liaison for The National Blood Alliance. In 2011, Todd suffered the first of seven blood clots and in 2017 experienced a close call with his first pulmonary embolism. He is a carrier of the inherited clotting disorder, factor V Leiden, and is homozygous, making him aggressive in the abnormal clotting department. He is a motivational speaker for blood clot trauma recovery and is a local patient advocate for new patients. He is working on his first book, “Blood Clots: A Road Map to Recovery.” Todd runs several Facebook support groups and has developed a level of trust and friendship with thousands of patients over the years. He loves to road and mountain bike, white water canoe, and stays active all year round. Links https://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclot Facebook: facebook.com/stoptheclot Instagram: instagram.com/stoptheclot X: x.com/StopTheClot LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-alliance BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.social TikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot #podcast #health

Season 3 Episode 8 Life changes in ways you rarely expect and in the wake of these changes we try our best to take it all in and breath it all out. On the forever elusive path we find ourselves, even when the light is the furthest away, we can still find a spark of joy and laughter and know that no matter what’s to come, we can experience this moment, joyously. In this episode of Taking a Breath, Comedian Kelly MacFarland shares her experience as a blood clot survivor and how a simple request in an improv class could very well have been the thing that saved her life. Alongside NBCA President Leslie Lake and NBCA Patient Liaison Todd Robertson, this conversation explores not just survival, but what it means to chart a path that will save countless lives to follow. Listeners will hear practical insights on recognizing warning signs, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding community on the journey to shaping the future of blood clot awareness. Meet Our Guests Kelly MacFarland Kelly MacFarland is a stand-up comedian, writer and actress. She delivers a performance with best-friend energy, leaving you with the urge to invite her to dinner. The comedy is bold, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Kelly has appeared on Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, the Today Show, AXS Gotham Comedy LIVE, Up Early Tonight on Hulu, Dry Bar Comedy, Don’t Tell Comedy and Denis Leary’s Comics Come Home at the Boston TD Garden. About NBCA The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a 501(c)(3), 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 and pulmonary embolism. 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. Our Hosts Leslie Lake In 2018, Leslie suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Her quest to learn more about venous thromboembolism (VTE) lead her to the National Blood Clot Alliance Despite living in New York City, Leslie was shocked by the lack of information available to her after her PE. As Board President, Leslie is committed to raising public awareness so no person affected by blood clots is without the necessary information they need to prevent or successfully treat VTE, and that they also have the information they need to navigate the spectrum of lifestyle issues that can follow a blood clot diagnosis. Leslie holds a BS in Economics from Simmons College, where she is also a Trustee, member of the Finance and Investment Committees, and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is also Board member of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Society of North America (THSNA) and External Advisory Board member of CanVECTOR. Todd Robertson Todd is the Patient Engagement Liaison for The National Blood Alliance. In 2011, Todd suffered the first of seven blood clots and in 2017 experienced a close call with his first pulmonary embolism. He is a carrier of the inherited clotting disorder, factor V Leiden, and is homozygous, making him aggressive in the abnormal clotting department. He is a motivational speaker for blood clot trauma recovery and is a local patient advocate for new patients. He is working on his first book, “Blood Clots: A Road Map to Recovery.” Todd runs several Facebook support groups and has developed a level of trust and friendship with thousands of patients over the years. He loves to road and mountain bike, white water canoe, and stays active all year round. Links https://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclot Facebook: facebook.com/stoptheclot Instagram: instagram.com/stoptheclot X: x.com/StopTheClot LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-alliance BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.social TikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot #podcast #health