So many people around the world suffer from blood clots every year. In the US millions of people are affected by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (the focus of my research, although there are many other types of blood clots). An estimated 100,000-300,000 die every year in the US alone from DVT/PE. It can happen to anyone, politicians, professional athletes, or just your average person.

Among those affected are many famous people including:

David Bloom, late NBC reporter
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/columnist/mediamix/2006-03-06-media-mix_x.htm

 

Hillary Clinton, former First Lady and Secretary of State
http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/01/16269742-hillary-clinton-remains-hospitalized-but-expected-to-recover?lite

 

Dick Cheney, former Vice President
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17470491/ns/politics/t/cheney-treated-hospital-blood-clot/#.UZWOXCvwIso

Regis Philbin, talk show host
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2010-05-14-regis-philbin_N.htm

Adam McQuaid, NHL player, Boston Bruins
http://nesn.com/2012/12/report-adam-mcquaid-underwent-surgery-for-blood-clot-bruins-defenseman-still-recovering/

Joey Sindelar, professional golfer
http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-tours-news/blogs/local-knowledge/2009/11/champions-tour-rallies-around-an-ailing-sindelar.html

Jamie Reno, journalist
http://therenodispatch.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-i-survived-multiple-blood-clots.html?showComment=1368753730410#c3762798832403910092 

Serena Williams, professional tennis player
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=6196383

Frida Kahlo, late artist
http://www.fridakahlofans.com/chronologyenglish.html

Jimmy Stewart, late actor, “It’s a Wonderful Life”
http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/GlendaleObituaries/jamesstewart.htm