When most people think about donating blood, they think of it as a simple, generous act—something you do to help someone else.

But for two local women, that act became deeply personal.

For Jana Boner, Financial Center Manager at Simmons Bank in Gallatin, it’s not just personal—it’s ongoing.

“I wouldn’t be here if people didn’t donate blood,” she said simply.

Jana has lived with severe anemia for years, but about six years ago, her condition turned critical. What started as fatigue and headaches became something far more serious.

“I didn’t know what was wrong, and honestly, I was scared to go to the doctor,” she shared. “But it got to where I couldn’t even walk without stumbling.”

When she finally sought help, doctors told her the truth: she had waited just a little too long.

“They said if I had waited a couple more days, I might not have made it.”

Today, Jana manages her condition through regular care—receiving blood transfusions and iron infusions every six to eight weeks. Each round of treatment takes hours. Each visit depends on something many people don’t think about often enough: donated blood.

Last year alone, Jana received 18 units of blood.

“That’s 18 people who said yes,” she said. “Eighteen people who helped keep me alive.”

But just down the road, another story was unfolding.

For Shaina Gobin, a Senior Relationship Banker with Simmons Bank in White House, blood donation became more than a good cause—it became a lifeline.

“I’ve been working on managing anemia over the past several months, but in February, I experienced a very unexpected complication. The situation initially seemed manageable, but quickly escalated into a medical emergency that ultimately required a blood transfusion.”

In a moment that many never see coming, Shaina found herself relying on the generosity of others—people she will likely never meet.

“Before this, I knew blood donation was important,” she said. “But now it’s on a personal level—as someone I will never meet took the time to donate, and that act directly helped save my life. I have a whole new level of appreciation and gratitude for donors.”

Together, their stories paint a powerful picture: blood donation isn’t just about helping someone, somewhere, someday.

It’s about helping someone today.

A neighbor. A coworker. A friend.

Someone like Shaina.

Now, both women are helping turn their experiences into action through an upcoming blood drive hosted by Simmons Bank branches in North Nashville on March 27th—an opportunity for the community to step in and make a life-saving difference.

Shaina’s message is simple, heartfelt, and urgent:

“If you’re able to donate blood, please consider doing it. You never know whose life you might save.”

For Jana—and for so many others—those donations mean everything.

Because when someone chooses to give, stories like these get to continue.

Be part of the story and schedule your donation:

Gallatin

Goodlettsville

Hendersonville

White House