At the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, thousands of feet will hit the pavement. There is energy, movement, and the sound of heavy breathing. It is the ultimate celebration of a healthy, active body.

But for too many Canadians, the simple act of breathing is a struggle, and a pain in the leg is a warning sign that comes too late.

We are running and walking because movement is the enemy of blood clots.

Thrombosis (blood clots) is often called a "silent killer," but the statistics are loud and clear: 1 in 4 people worldwide die from conditions related to blood clots. It can happen to anyone—the marathon runner, the new mother, the grandparent, or the young professional.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of thrombosis is that it is often preventable. Too often, patients with leg pain or shortness of breath don't recognize the risk and the need to take action. Sometimes they do go to the emergency department but they are sent home because they are misdiagnosed.

We are participating in the Ottawa Charity Challenge to change that narrative.

Thrombosis Canada is the only national organization dedicated to this cause. We don't just raise awareness; we provide the critical tools that save lives.

We put knowledge in the hands of patients so they can advocate for themselves.

We put diagnostic apps in the hands of doctors so they can catch clots quickly.

We fund the research that leads to better treatments.

Our Goal for 2026: We are aiming to raise $10,000 to ensure that no patient’s symptoms are missed or dismissed and no life is lost to a preventable clot.

When you donate to the Thrombosis Canada team, you aren't just supporting a run; you are supporting a future where everyone knows the signs. You are helping us keep families together.

Please donate to our team or join us on the course. Let’s keep moving, so others can too.

David Airdrie

Executive director