Educator, advocate and content creator Tiffany Chan, Ed.D. opens up about her lifelong experience with Factor V Leiden in a deeply personal and informative article, “What Living with Factor V Leiden Taught Me About Life and the Importance of Embracing Every Moment”.

In recognition of Blood Clot Awareness Month, Chan reflects on how the life-threatening disorder, a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of blood clots – including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) – has shaped her outlook on health, resilience and the urgency of living fully.
Chan first learned she carried the mutation as a teenager, shortly after her mother’s near-fatal battle with multiple blood clots. Since then, she has navigated the condition through preventative care, fitness and medical management – especially during high-risk moments such as pregnancy and surgery.
“That experience changed me forever. It made me painfully aware of how fragile life is, how quickly things can shift from normal to catastrophic. But it also planted the seed of something deeper—an unshakable determination to live fully, the importance of health, and to never take a single moment for granted,” said Chan. “The experience in many ways, made me who I am today… determined, driven, and filled with a need to never allow an opportunity or experience to pass me by.”
Chan’s article not only shares her personal journey but also serves as an urgent call for awareness. Blood clots affect nearly 900,000 people in the U.S. each year, with approximately 100,000 fatalities – making them a leading cause of preventable deaths. Factor V Leiden is often undiagnosed, and many people are unaware of their risk until they experience a life-threatening event.
She also breaks down the realities of living with Factor V Leiden, the importance of genetic testing for those with a family history, and the lifestyle changes that can reduce clotting risks. She also encourages readers to learn the warning signs of DVT and PE, emphasizing that early detection can be life-saving.
As an advocate for holistic well-being, Chan hopes to inspire others to take control of their health while also embracing a daring approach to life. “Knowing that my body could betray me at any moment has made me fearless in the best possible way. I say yes more often than I say no because I never want to look back and regret the things I didn’t do… Factor V Leiden isn’t a limitation for me—it’s a reminder to stay strong, stay present, and embrace every opportunity with open arms.”
Read the full article on Ink & Lavender: Tiffany’s Secret Diary, and learn more about Tiffany Chan at TiffanyChanOfficial.com and her links via Beacons.ai/kipani. Follow her on X: @lovekipani.
ABOUT TIFFANY CHAN, Ed.D., CSE, MFA:
Tiffany Chan, also known as Dr. K or Kipani Heart, seamlessly blends her creative passions with a deep commitment to holistic sexual education. Based in Los Angeles, Dr. K is a Board-Certified Sexologist and Intimacy Consultant specializing in kink education, D/s dynamics, and holistic living, as well as popular model and influencer. She holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master’s in English Literature, and advanced certifications in sexology, making her approach to intimacy and empowerment both uniquely informed and empathetic.
Chan’s academic background is complemented by her experience as a creative writer, digital content creator, and certified fitness trainer. She has published work in scholarly journals such as American Popular Culture and Men’s Health and is actively involved in research with The Alternative Sexual Health Research Alliance (TASHRA). As the host of the popular podcast The Submissive Next Door, Chan delves into diverse topics ranging from BDSM to consent and alternative lifestyles, sharing eye-opening insights with her guests.
Chan is also the founder and editor of Artistic Edge Magazine, where she merges her love for the arts with her dedication to sexual education. A staunch advocate for diversity, inclusion and informed consent, she is a member of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). She is a recognized leader in the alternative lifestyle community as well, offering workshops and consultations that empower individuals to explore their identities in safe, consensual environments.
Follow us on twitter: @emmreport, instagram @emmreport, tiktok@emmreport