VIDEO: You Could Save Janet Liang's Life? She Has Two Months to Live

“I’m afraid of dying.  It feels like I don’t have much time.  I’m afraid of dying mainly cause I’m afraid of what I’m leaving behind.”

These are the words of a 23-year old Chinese American UCLA student, Janet Liang, who posted a video on YouTube pleading to her audiences to save her life. She has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a malignant form of blood cancer, for nearly 3 years.    

Janet’s leukemia relapsed, triggering her leukemia cells to become  more aggressive than they ever were.  As a result, Janet has only two months to find a perfect match.

But there are thousands of people in California who are in dire need of a bone marrow donor—so what sets Janet apart from the rest?

The answer is: social media. 

Note: Two marrow drives will take place at UC Davis in the next week. Details are below.

On January 21 of this year, Janet recorded a video of herself in which she shared that she has only two months to live. “I don’t think I’ll find my match,” she cried. 

In response to Janet’s video, I posted a video on YouTube the next day in attempt of spreading the word about Janet’s situation—hoping that many people will respond to her plea.    

Within the course of three days, Janet’s video was later posted on Reddit—generating over 200,000 views.  YouTube celebrities such as Wong Fu Production, Victor Kim, Far East Movement, David Choi, and Kinna Grannis resorted to social media sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter in hope of educating Janet’s fans about her condition.

It was the power of social media that mobilized Janet’s search of the perfect match.
It was the power of social media that caught my attention. 

Truth is I have not met Janet physically in person, yet I felt there was a connection established between Janet and I.  It was a connection that extends beyond the physicality, but rather a connection that focuses on the intangible.

• Janet is a UC Student.  So am I. 
• Janet has a younger brother who goes to Davis.  So do I.
• Janet is from the Bay Area.  So am I.
• Janet is a writer.  So am I
• Janet enjoys humanitarian work.  So do I.
• Janet is part of the growing Asian American community.  And so am I.

Janet’s powerful video resonated deeply inside of me and it inspired me to take part in this movement. 

My objective: to spend my last quarter at UC Davis organizing UC Davis's largest Bone Marrow Drive with the help of resources and friends. 

Within the last week, I contacted Asian American Donor Program (AADP), AggieTV, Asian American Frats, Pre-Health Frats, Asian American Social Clubs, KDVS, Capital Public Radio and many other organizations that can help mobilize the Bone Marrow Drive.  

In my journey of finding Janet a match, I have met many wonderful friends who shared the same desire and compassion of spreading the word around.  It was a feeling of solidarity that I haven’t felt in awhile.

So Janet, I want to thank you for being an inspiration for many college folks out here.  Your dream is to become a teacher.  I'm certain you have already fulfilled that role.  You taught me so much within a short amount of time; moreso than any lecture or textbook here on campus. Thank you. 

I urged everyone in Davis (especially if you’re Asian American) to please come to our Bone Marrow Drive at UC Davis.  All it takes is a cotton swab to the mouth to determine whether you’re a potential donor for someone like Janet.  It’s free, painless, and only 10 minutes of your time.

When and Where?

Feb 1st and  Feb 2nd (Wed and Thurs)
10am to 2pm
UC Davis
2 locations: Quad and Silo

Feb 5th (Sunday)
1pm to 4pm
Davis Chinese Christian Church, Davis
536 Anderson Road, Davis CA 95616

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