September Athlete of the Month

Sorry...

It has been a while since I found my way to this space...

I sure have been busy on twitter (@CLOTBUSTER) since 140 characters are so much quicker and these days that is all I have time for...

Certainly marathon training has wedged itself within my daily routine and as I get through each prescribed workout the hope and anticipation of throwing down with 26.2 Miles grows bigger as I am aiming for improvements from my previous personal best.  Of course I am racing the 2015 CHICAGO MARATHON in the CLOT BUSTER #STOPTHECLOT polka-dots to keep up the effort of raising awareness against blood clots and blood clotting disorders as well celebrating all blood clot survivors out there looking to overcome the challenges of blood clots!

Keep up with my latest posts through twitter @CLOTBUSTER...

Speaking of marathon training recently I got introduced to one of those AMAZING Blood Clot Survivors who has decided to have his own epic battle with 26.2 Miles the weekend after the Chicago Marathon at the Columbus Marathon.

Mr. TONY VILLANUEVA will be racing the Columbus Marathon in October as part of the Team CLOT BUSTERS RACING TO STOP THE CLOT!  He even has his very own set of polka-dots ready to inspire you...

Please read below Tony's story that he so graciously shared with us...

" My Story

March 2013, my sister was diagnosed with multiple blood clot disorders which led to my father being tested and finding out that he had multiple blood clot disorders. My sister became adamant that the rest of the family be checked since it was hereditary. My wife insisted that I be checked and when I refused, she sent my two oldest daughters. Well at the age of 1 and 3, they were diagnosed with Factor Five, Prothrombin Gene Mutations and MTHFR. I then went to my doctor and told him about the blood clotting disorders and he stated that since my father had it, my sister had it and my daughters have it, well you definitely got it. My doctor immediately wanted to put me on blood thinners due to the fact that with my job in Law Enforcement I am spending a minimum of 8 hours sitting in a car or at a desk.  Of course I refused to take any type of medication and my doctor told me that I better be careful and be sure to walk around every hour or so to be sure to get some blood flow.

 

February 3rd 2015, I was at work and was experiencing a “Charlie horse” in my right calf most of the day while at work. I didn’t think much about it at the time but when I was driving home, the pain was uncomfortable and then intensified as I continued to drive. All of a sudden I started to experience chest pain and then numbness in my upper right arm. I then realized that I was dazed and confused and my vision was becoming blurry like that moment right before you pass out. I was driving on a freeway at 65-70 miles per hour and I felt like I was going to pass out. I got off at the exit that I nearly passed and pulled my car over once I got to a safe spot. I realized that I was having extreme chest pain and shortness of breath. I calmed my breathing down because I knew I had to call for help. I remembered that there was a Fire Station about a mile or two down the road and I felt like I could make it there. By the time I got to the Fire Station, my vision and my breathing were back to normal so I decided to drive the five minutes back home.  I made it home and my wife took me straight to the hospital.

The hospital found that my INR levels were low and that I could have had a blood clot. The ultrasound and CAT scan came back negative. I told the doctors about the blood clotting disorders and they said that there was a possibility that I had a blood clot that passed or broken up which caused my symptoms. I was sent home after a shot of blood thinners and was told to see a specialist. Before I could see a Hematologist, I was taken back to the emergency room for the same symptoms within a week where they found a blood clot in my left leg.  Again my INR levels were low and I was given blood thinners and released. I finally got to see my Hematologist and found that I have three Blood Clotting Disorders. After some time off from work, a few more visits to the emergency room, hematologist, and even Cellulitis, I was finally allowed to run again and slowly workout.

My Mission

My mission is simple. I want to do what I can to provide monetary donations to National Blood Clot Alliance. 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, pulmonary embolism, and clot-provoked stroke.

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. My future, my family and the future of my 3 daughters rely on this research for a better way of living with Blood Clotting disorders. It is a privilege to run for Team Stop the Clot and I plan on making the best of it and impacting the lives of others during my experience.

“Make each day your masterpiece.” -Coach John Wooden"

 

There is no question in mind that Mr. Villanueva will accomplish his mission of conquering the 26.2 Miles that are awaiting him in October.

If you have it in you and would be interested in donating for Mr. Villanueva's fundraising please take a look at the link below...

https://www.crowdrise.com/teamvillanuevastoptheclot/fundraiser/tonyvillanueva

 

Here is wishing Mr. Villanueva all the success possible on all of his training and I can't wait to cheer him on while racing in Columbus!

 

Never Stop Tony!

 

You are an inspiration to many!

 

Keep it up!.

 

All the Best.

 

The Clot Buster