A Midlands woman who spent 2023 and 2024 undergoing two surgeries for a vein disorder is boarding a plane for New York this week to run the city's marathon. Laura D’Allenman will carry bib No. 55387 across the start line on Nov. 1, roughly three years after doctors told her that blood clots had formed deep inside her veins.
D’Allenman was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in 2023, according to WLTX, which first reported on her journey from hospital bed to marathon training plan. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots form in the body's deep veins, the station notes. As doctors investigated further, they discovered additional vein compression disorders, ultimately diagnosing her with venous thoracic outlet syndrome — a condition that involves compression of blood vessels near the collarbone and can itself contribute to clot formation, per the same report.
The timing of her diagnosis collided with one of the biggest moments of her life. D’Allenman had her wedding a few months after being diagnosed, WLTX reports. Her now-husband, Fabian D’Allenman, was her fiancé at the time of the diagnosis and has stayed by her side through the recovery that followed.
What Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Actually Does
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when the subclavian vein is compressed, obstructing blood flow from the arm to the heart, according to Washington University in St. Louis Department of Surgery. That obstruction can cause pain, swelling and, in some cases, blood clots in the affected limb. The surgery department notes the condition is often caused by repetitive activities, anatomical abnormalities or trauma.
Treatment can range from physical therapy and medication to clot-dissolving drugs and surgery, depending on severity, according to Washington University's surgery department. D’Allenman underwent her first surgery in November 2023 and a second procedure in June 2024, per WLTX's reporting.
From Hospital Recovery to Training Runs
D’Allenman connected with Dr. Kevin Chang, an Atrium Health physician who specializes in vein conditions and practices in Winston-Salem, as part of her treatment. She began running during her recovery, the station reports, gradually building up to distances of three to four miles before deciding to attempt a half marathon. That half marathon led to a full one — she completed her first marathon in December while already working toward a bigger goal: the New York City Marathon.
She said she wanted to make sure she could actually finish a marathon before stepping forward as a representative for the cause, according to WLTX. Now she's using that platform to raise awareness for people affected by blood clots. Separately, the National Blood Clot Alliance runs a Team Stop the Clot fundraising program for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, with participants supporting the group's work on blood-clot prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
A Family Cheering Her Toward the Finish
D’Allenman and her husband are scheduled to leave for New York on Wednesday ahead of the Sunday race. Fabian D’Allenman said he is proud of his wife's discipline and determination throughout her recovery, and both he and Dr. Chang have encouraged her ahead of race day, according to the station's report. She described her situation as a privilege and said she's grateful for the chance to help others facing similar challenges.
Her story arrives as the broader topic of blood clots has drawn renewed public attention, including, per WLTX, around Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
D’Allenman can be tracked during the race through the NYRR app by selecting “2026 NYC Marathon” and searching her name or bib number, 55387. The race is scheduled to begin Sunday in New York City, with thousands of runners expected to take to the course alongside her, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance.
