Jazz Amira Hardrict Celebration of Life Fund

Hello,

My name is Garry Hayman and I am fundraising on behalf of Jazz Amira Hardrict’s family.

Jazzy as she was called by her Auntie Sarai lost her life long battle with Sickle-cell disease September 5th, 2022 at just 13 years of age.

Our beginning goal is to raise $5,000 to help alleviate some of the financial burden of planning and paying for Jazzy’s celebration of life. Anything extra will be used to pay down outstanding Hospital bills as Jazzy spent many months at UCSF Benioff Hospital in Oakland, Ca.

Thank you so much for your support and contribution… keep reading  

Below you can read the words from her Auntie, Sarai Crain.

Jazz Amira Hardrict was born on December 29, 2008, to Starr Crain and Andre Hardrict in Torrance, CA. One of her Mommy’s first loves is jazz music, so it was only fitting to give her that name. Jazz shares the initials of her grandparents, uncle, sister, and heavenly brother. Her middle name Amira means “Princess” in Arabic. She is her uncle’s namesake and her auntie’s meaning mate, since Sarai means “God’s princess” in Hebrew.

At 5 months, Jazz was dedicated to Jesus Christ at Imani Community Church where she was a faithful member; serving in the children’s choir, dance ministry, usher board, and children’s church. At the age of 8, she made a personal confession of Christ and her grandfather proudly assisted in her water Baptism. Jazz’s first church home was the Church of Divine Guidance in Los Angeles, where she sang with her Mommy and made her rounds on the laps of many beloved church family members.

Jazz attended Do Re Mi Child Development Center in Los Angeles, CA where she was guided in Christian faith. She later attended and graduated from Joious Beginnings Preschool (Oakland, CA) where she continued to learn how to pray, and develop her relationship with God and village. Jazz began her primary education at Ile Omode School in Oakland, CA. She spent 5 years creating lifelong relationships and deep cultural connections there before. She then enrolled in and graduated from Joaquin Miller Elementary School. For middle school, Jazz attended East Bay Innovation Academy (EBIA) in Oakland. There she played on the volleyball team and starred in their production of High School Musical.

Famous for her infectious smile, Jazz developed a love for performing arts at a very young age. She launched her performing arts career at the tender age of 2, when she appeared on stage at Skyline High School in Oakland under the direction of her grandmother. As a child, she performed in Rent, Aladdin, Dream Girls, and Funny Face at Skyline High School. At the age of 8, Jazz landed her first lead role as “Simba” in Three Cross Church’s production of The Lion King. A true princess, Jazz portrayed young Cinderella in the African-American Shakespeare Company’s production of Cinderella and starred as Princess Jasmine in Joaquin Miller’s production of Aladdin. She continued to perform with the African-American Shakespeare Company, Ile Omode, EBIA and other community performing arts outlets. In 2018, Jazz was featured in her first short film role, entitled, “Jazz in Wakanda.” It is not surprising that Jazz became known for creating videos on social media, dancing and singing along with her favorite songs.

Jazz’s creative expression could also be seen through her love for cooking, baking, drawing, playing in makeup, and nails. A true “girly girl,” Jazz loved all things pink and lavender, glitter and rhinestones, fur and luxury. Additionally, her uncanny ability to nurture babies and children landed her a job at Joious Beginnings at the age of 7!

Often referred to as “a light,” Jazz always had a strong attachment to her family and community. She quickly connected with people and was adored by nearly every child she came in contact with. From birth, Jazz inspired people to love. She also inspired people to call her everything but her actual name. Thus, at least twenty nicknames. Among them are: Jazzy, Jazzy-cakes, Kakes, Jazzy-Pooh, Jazzy-Roo, Jazzy-Girl, Jazzamuffin, Muffin, Muffy, Muff, Meuf, NaNa, NaNa-Bean, Nana-Bug, Ladybug, Bugs, Buggy, Boobie, Juicy J, Princess, Munchkin, Sissy, and her Mommy’s signature, “BestThang.”

Since Jazz was born with Sickle Cell Anemia, she spent a lot of her days in UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Most of their Hematology and Oncology staff knew, loved, and spoiled her. She created something called, “Jazz Bucks,” which nurses could earn for extra Jazz time and love. In June 2022, Jazz was healed of Sickle Cell after her father enthusiastically became her bone marrow donor. Her indisputable light and bravery shined through even in the face of unimaginable suffering. On Monday, September 5, 2022, she was released from her suffering and slipped quietly into eternity. She will be deeply and dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of being touched by her spirit. Jazz is preceded in death by her brothers, Steven and Jordan.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her mother Starr Crain, father Andre Hardrict; grandparents Jan Hunter, Jamal Hunter, and Verba Hardrict (Charles); aunt, Sarai Crain; uncles Jaredt Draquez-Hunter (Rhys) and Amir Draquez; siblings, Jayla Hardrict, Khaliq Hardrict, Kamal Hardrict, Nasaj Hardrict, and Ahni Hardrict; nephew Marcus Crain; and a host of relatives, friends, neighbors, and classmates.