The date, the time, that moment that you never forget when something turns your world upside down. Of course its always easier to remember the bad things as opposed to remembering the good things. My story is no different. It was August 2016 (I won't bore you with the intricate details) and I was scheduled to have an ultra sound down on my leg. My doctor wanted me to have one since I was having pulled muscle pain that never went away. I'll never forget the words my doctor told me (I remind her daily). She said I don't think it's anything but I want you to have an ultra sound done just to make sure; do it sooner rather then later. I made the appointment, got the ultra sound done, got told by the tech to stay put and don't move around to much. She came back and relayed the message of you have three blood clots in your leg. OK (keep in mind I'm ignorant at this time I have no idea how serious this really is) so what exactly does that mean to me? She tells me they are trying to get a hold of my doctor or they might have to admit me to the hospital. (Enter scared emoji here). They get a hold of my doctor and of course it began that day that she had to eat her words. I got put on anticoagulant meds and get to go home. I'm back at work on light duty (basically not allowed to do anything). A week later and I feel really terrible. There is extreme pain in my back, a pain I can't describe, a pain I've never felt before. I go home early to get some rest instead I spend the afternoon crying from being in so much pain. To the ER I go to find out 2 of my "friends" (they really aren't/weren't my friends) in my leg decided to go on an adventure and tour my body. I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism. All this was caused by my birth control. One simple thing I never knew the side affects of has caused what seems to me a never ending cycle of pain. The healing process is the worst. You need to have a wonderful support team which I did. I thank God everyday for keeping me alive. All that to say this is why I chose to fundraise for NBCA and why I'm passionate about raising awareness. If I can help one person notice what the symptoms are then I've succeeded. Know your symptoms and don't wait to get checked out.