An Armuchee Elementary School teacher who survived a life-changing crash is now using her story to encourage others to donate blood.

Hannah Nabors lost her leg in February 2025 after being involved in a crash with a drunk driver. During her recovery, Nabors said support from her co-workers and students helped give her strength and motivation to return to the classroom before the end of the school year.

Nabors said her school family sent videos, cards, and messages while she was away, helping her stay connected during a difficult time. Even after she began driving again with a prosthetic leg, she said passing the crash site was emotionally overwhelming.

But Nabors chose to move forward by giving back. She began donating blood after realizing that blood donations from others helped save her life. Earlier this year, she hosted a blood drive with the Blood Assurance clinic in Rome to mark the anniversary of her crash.

Blood Assurance says donors like Nabors are especially important as blood shortages continue to impact patients across the country. Without compatible blood donations, some patients may become seriously ill or may not survive.

Blood Assurance has also partnered with Goodlabs to offer free blood testing to participating donors. The program allows donors to receive health information, including testing panels that could otherwise cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket. Donors can also track health trends over time through an online portal.

Nabors, who is active and recently ran the Boston Marathon, said donating blood is one way she can help someone else receive the same chance she was given.

She has also been involved in advocacy efforts, including helping get Senate Bill 503 passed, which expands healthcare coverage for prosthetics.

Nabors said returning to her classroom now carries a deeper meaning because she knows she is there because of faith and the willingness of others to donate blood.

Anyone interested in donating through Blood Assurance can visit the Blood Assurance website for more information.