Celebrating NBDM: Meet Janice Weaver

More than 50 years ago - on December 31, 1969 - President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). The new monthly observance was meant to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is needed. In honor of National Blood Donor Month, AABB News is pleased to highlight donors’ contributions and the transformative power of blood donations. Learn more about Janice's journey below.

“Why I Donate”

Saving Lives

In September 2013, Janice Weaver was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare blood cancer that nearly claimed her life. She was admitted to a hospital and spent 22 days in the intensive care unit, where she received several hundred units of plasma for treatment. “I was told that my body was similar to that of a gunshot victim because I had lost so much blood, but I was still coherent mentally and physically. The doctors and nurses said I was a rare case because I was alert and talking,” Weaver recalled. “I was treated by therapeutic plasma exchange in the hospital while in isolation. Blood transfusions saved my life.”

Once recovered, Weaver, 65, set out on a mission to pay it forward through community-based blood drives. She launched One Body Networking in 2014 to raise awareness about saving lives through blood donations. Through her foundation, Weaver organizes monthly blood drives in partnership with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, churches and other organizations throughout the greater Houston area. The foundation also awards scholarships to college students who exemplify community leadership. Her foundation reached a significant milestone last year and celebrated a decade of providing education, creating social impact and serving the community.

“My foundation has impacted Houstonians throughout the past decade, and people are more aware of blood donation,” she said. “Various communities all over Houston know the importance of donating and are not afraid to give back by giving blood. Organizations, churches and people call to host blood drives because it has now become personal, and they want to save lives.”

Weaver’s nonprofit won the 2022 Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Small Heroes Award for its efforts to help save lives and raise awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dedicated community leader is also committed to increasing donations among African Americans, hosting blood drives to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and bone marrow transplants.

Looking ahead, Weaver hopes to expand her reach to raise awareness on a national level. She wants people to know that every donor saves three lives. It’s in their blood to save lives, she added.

“I am motivated to pay it forward and donate blood regularly because donated blood saved my life,” Weaver said. “I am passionate about this cause because you do not know the significance of donated blood until you have faced death. If someone had not donated blood/plasma, the plasma exchange treatment would not have been available to save my life.”  

AABB will be marking the 2024 National Blood Donor Month with a series of activities that highlight the importance of blood donation and the work of the blood community to ensure the safety and continuity of the blood supply. Follow AABB on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to participate in our NBDM activities.