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Thursday, February 1, 2018
Jordin Sparks: Stepsister Dies After Battle with Sickle Cell Anemia
Not even the saying, “when it rains, it pours,” is equipped to describe this situation.
Jordin Sparks and her family are suffering from an incalculable loss. Jordin herself has lost four loved ones in one week.
One of them was her younger stepsister, who has passed away at just 16.
This should be a happy time in Jordin Sparks’ life.
After all, she just got secretly married … and she’s pregnant!
Unfortunately, Jordin’s step-sister, Bryanna Jackson-Frias, has died at 16 from complications resulting from sickle-cell anemia.
If you’re not familiar, sickle cell anemia involves red blood cells adhering to the walls of blood vessels. This obstructs blood from reaching tissues sufficiently, which can cut off oxygen.
As you can imagine, the results can be damaged tissues as well as serious pain. Bryanna knew this battle for her entire life.
But now that fight is over.
Jordin Sparks’ mother, Jodi Jackson, announced the sad news on social media:
“Bry went peacefully to Heaven. I can’t help to think [that] she’s smiling just like this. Thank you all for your prayers.”
That is heartbreaking.
Before Bryanna passed away, Jordin Sparks had taken to Instagram to share a plea with her followers.
Following the tragic news of Bryanna’s passing, Jordin once again shared her pain with fans.
“Four Angels in a week. My heart is just so heavy & broken. I’m in shock, numb and feel everything all at the same time.”
Because her step-sister is not the only loved one she lost.
“Leah & Rasual (one of my closest friends and her amazing other half who also was a great friend), Bryanna (my step sister) and Q (my little cousin), you were such bright lights in this crazy world.”
We mentioned that Rasual Butler and his wife died in a car wreck.
The idea of losing so many people in one week is devastating. Especially when it’s so sudden. And especially when two of them are family.
Jordin’s post continues.
“You made everyone better just by knowing them. And your smiles made anyone’s day better. The world is less sparkly without you in it.”
Devastating to lose them in such rapid succession that she can’t even single them out to speak about them.
“Rest In Peace and Power. I love you forever. Find Miles and hug him for me. [black heart emoji]”
No one should have to grapple with this degree of loss in one year, let alone one week.
Jordin Sparks ends her post with a plea to her fans and followers:
“Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Don’t ever skip a chance to tell someone you appreciate them or how much you love them.”
She’s absolutely right.
“Please, please continue to cover their families and our family with thoughts and prayers. #unicornsdontdie #sicklecellsux”
Clearly, Jordin and her entire family — and everyone else who loved these four souls — need support now more than ever.
Grief is a long, complicated process that can sour every other experience.
We wish all of their loved ones all of the comfort that they deserve.
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