"He was 39 years old, a picture of health," she said.

Now, she said she wishes she'd known about the risk factors and the symptoms of DVT.

She said most Americans are not aware of DVT, but they should be.

A 2007 study showed that about 70 percent of Americans couldn't identify the symptoms of DVT.

Rathbun said she's received numerous letters and calls from people who say if they'd only known the risk factors and the symptoms, their loved ones could have been saved.

"This is important," she said of raising awareness about DVT. "I think we can make a difference."

Bloom herself is more active now in trying to prevent DVT in her family. When she travels with her three daughters, she makes sure they stay hydrated and pump their legs often to keep the blood flowing.

And when they are older she wants them tested for the genetic predisposition for DVT, especially before they consider going on the pill or becoming pregnant.

Bloom said that hope of saving others has compelled her to become a national spokesperson for the Coalition to Prevent DVT.

"I try to take our grief and loss and our tragedy and try to bring about something positive and hopefully save lives," she said.

Julianna Parker 366-3541 jparker@normantranscript.com