Amara
My 14-year-old daughter Amara’s life was tragically cut short by a blood clot in her lung. She was prescribed birth control by her pediatrician to manage acne. This decision led to devastating consequences.
On January 9, 2020, Amara collapsed in her room. An ambulance rushed her to the hospital and doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize her. Despite their best efforts, she passed away and left us all in a state of profound grief.
Factor V Leiden: A Contributing Risk Factor
Amara’s autopsy revealed that she was affected by factor V Leiden, a genetic mutation that increases a person’s risk for blood clots. We were unaware of her condition, and we had no known family history. Lack of knowledge and awareness contributed to the tragic outcome.
It’s crucial to understand the compound risk associated with combined hormonal contraception – including birth control options like the pill, patch and ring, which all contain estrogen – and genetic conditions like factor V Leiden.
Amara with her mother Megan
Advocacy to Honor Amara
My beautiful daughter Amara is my driving force to advocate for blood clot education and awareness. I strive to make a difference and to honor her memory by advocating alongside other people affected by blood clots, their caregivers, and clinicians to prevent similar pain and loss for other families.
My hope is to be part of influencing public policy to improve screening and education about blood clot risks. I also hope that Amara’s legacy lives on through these efforts, by honoring her memory and advocating for better healthcare practices and policies. I strive to make a difference in other people’s lives and to honor her memory by advocating for better healthcare policies and procedures.
