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 GuestsSara 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 NBCAThe 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 LakeIn 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 RobertsonTodd 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.Linkshttps://www.stoptheclot.org/year-end-donation-page-2025/?c_src=podcast  YouTube: youtube.com/stoptheclotFacebook: facebook.com/stoptheclotInstagram: instagram.com/stoptheclotX: x.com/StopTheClotLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-blood-clot-allianceBlueSky: bsky.app/profile/stoptheclot.bsky.socialTikTok: tiktok.com/@stoptheclot#podcast #health