Tahara "TJ" Jackson

Tahara was one of those special people few rarely have the opportunity to meet in their lifetime. Tahara started out in life as a beautiful, healthy baby boy. He loved to climb and ride bikes like all his buddies did. When TJ was nine she was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia. Our lives spiralled out of control from that day on.

TJ was so strong and and at age 10 she fought through the bone marrow transplant only to be hit with advanced glaucoma, which would take most of her vision as a young adult. TJ fought multiple cancers and still managed to go to college for a diploma in MDR. TJ fought against so many to just be herself and she was unapologetically a beautiful transgender woman. I knew my son was special from age two and even then he wanted and aspired to being a woman.

If you knew TJ, you would’ve heard of her love for music and you may have had the opportunity to hear her sweet voice. But many don’t know that TJ was truly multi talented. TJ took piano lessons for years thus teaching her to read music. TJ also won awards and scholarships for her talent in playing trumpet. Fanconi Anemia stole her lip, part of her jaw and part of her tongue and of course, any chances for a musical career after that. TJ found another creative outlet in mad makeup skills. From playfulness to sexy she could pull off any look and loved doing it even with her severely limited eyesight.

TJ also shared my love of camping, but she did it of course in her own way, Glamping. Nothing like buying a 10 person tent for 2 to 3 people and a Shitzu. Rocky loved his auntie and still goes into her room looking for her love.

TJ was the light of my life and although I’m happy she is finally without pain, my heart is broken that she has left us. Tahara really was an inspiration and I am so lucky to have been her Mum. I loved TJ to the moon and back and will miss her that much and more now.