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Article courtesy of The California Advocate.
For more stories, visit California Advocate online.
By Marlise Moore, California Advocate Writer —
Mariah Hackett has defeated many of the obstacles that have been put before her. In May of 2009, she had proven to herself and those around her that she had the ability to do anything that she put her mind to.
It has been a long journey for Mariah. While in the 7th grade she had her first of three brain surgeries. Even though she had to undergo brain surgery at such a young age, Mariah continued with her hunger for life.
In 2007, Mariah underwent her third and last surgery which left her unable to speak and unable to walk. Mariah missed her 11th grade fall semester at Hoover High, but by the end of the spring semester, she was able to make up the lost 40 credits, catch up to her classmates and "walk proudly" with her graduating class.
She involved herself in many charitable events, such as volunteering her time reading to children at elementary schools, at clothing drives at the Poverello House and participating in church activities.
Then on August 5, 2009 as she and her family were driving through Denver Colorado returning home from a family reunion in Oklahoma, tragedy struck. Mariah stopped breathing and was rushed to the nearest hospital in Denver. She did not survive. Mariah Hackett passed away in Denver, Colorado at 4:50 p.m.
Mariah's mother and father, James and Cordella Hackett, reminisce about their daughters dynamic life journey.
"She liked politics, she followed the (Obama) campaign all the way," Mr. Hackett said with a smile on his face. "That's what kept her going," Mrs. Hackett added. "She would watch the campaign all day."
Aside from politics, Mariah wanted to inspire others. Her parents said that Mariah would always say that there are people going through the same thing as her and they had given up. She wanted them to be able to see that she would not give in.
"She was one of those kids that looked out for others," Mrs. Hackett said." She was a very caring person, she reminded me of an angel. She was determined to walk with her class. Doctors thought that she wouldn't be able to but she did it."
Not only did Mariah graduate from high school and walk with her class, she also was accepted to Fresno Pacific University. She received numerous scholarships including scholarships to Fresno Pacific University, The Pediatric Brain Tumor Society, SEIU, and Links Incorporated scholarships.
Mariah's parents said that the whole family stuck together and their children really stepped up to the plate in supporting her. "Mariah would write notes telling each of us what we could do to help her get better," Mrs. Hackett said.
Mariah is survived by her sisters Jamina and Ashia, her brother James Jr., and her parents James and Cordella Hackett.
Funeral services will be held at Living Word International Church, Saturday August 15, 2009 at 11 a.m
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