During this 2020 holiday season, many are concerned and focused on preparing a festive time for family and friends. However, some will be helping to provide a much-needed service to others by “Giving the Gift of Life” in a season of sharing.

Janice Weaver, well known community activist, is one who has an overwhelming story to share. In 2012, after attending her Sunday morning church service, she was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed, after several tests, as having a rare disease called “Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura” or TTP, which is a fatal disorder when blood clots form subsequently causing a lower number of platelets resulting in brain damage, a stroke or even death. Janice was very fortunate to survive and had to receive 500 units of plasma freeze after 29 days in the hospital in quarantine to save her life. This rare disease can be inherited as well as acquired and not known to many who become victims.

As a result of her journey, Janice has committed to helping others by increasing the overall awareness about this rarely known TTP disease. She immediately began hosting an annual blood drive for the community which is scheduled Friday. Mayor Sylvester Turner along with Houston “first responders”, who unselfishly put themselves in harm’s way to protect and help others, will be honored during the annual blood drive for “First Responders Day of Appreciation” @ 11:00 a.m. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will conduct the blood drive.