The Gift ♥️
The Gift of Life: Ja'Maar's Story Cont.
Ja'Maar was diagnosed with PTSD, grappling with the aftermath of his traumatic experience and the reality of living with a bullet lodged in his neck for the rest of his life. This led him to addiction to prescription drugs and turn to heroin as he sought relief from his pain. By the time his family discovered the depth of his struggles and attempted to help him seek treatment, he was already on a dark path. At the age of 24, he received a sentence of five years and five years of probation in Shirley Maximum Security prison. During his time incarcerated, Ja'Maar continued to write music and pursue his education. His mother received pages of his lyrics every month, holding onto them dearly in the original envelopes he sent home.
After his release in 2015, he was determined to keep writing, enjoying moments of connection with friends in the studio and bringing charisma to every interaction. His presence lit up any gathering, where he’d dance and celebrate life with family and friends. A memorable video captures him and his mother dancing during the holiday season—an unforgettable moment that turned out to be their last holiday dance together. Ja'Maar was striking, with a hearty laugh and a radiant smile, yet he continued to face the challenges of PTSD and substance use disorder. He eventually made the brave decision to enter treatment, and although he found the process difficult, he persevered and felt a sense of pride in his efforts. His mother, equally proud, sought his permission to share his accomplishments on social media, to which he responded affirmatively, saying that it could help someone else. A defining characteristic of Ja'Maar was his willingness to lend a helping hand to others, embodying the big heart he carried on his shoulder.
Ja'Maar began working and attempted to build a stable life, but he soon violated his probation and had to face the consequences in front of a judge. His mother reached out to his probation officer, advocating for a good treatment program that could address his PTSD and substance use disorder. She sought support from the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), a center dedicated to healing and learning for families impacted by trauma. Through this organization, she obtained the emotional and practical guidance she needed to navigate the legal system. Unfortunately, the judge and probation officer did not see this as an option, resulting in Ja'Maar being sent back to prison for an additional two years. After his release, he returned home a changed man, struggling with increased addiction to opioids and feeling hopeless.
In 2018, his family actively sought creative pathways to recovery for Ja'Maar, looking for resources that could support his mental health, substance use, and artistic talents. However, having been incarcerated for so long, Ja'Maar expressed fear about entering treatment, equating it to being imprisoned again. Over the years, he worked to re-establish his life and became a loving father, all while nurturing his dream of being a rapper. As synthetic drugs and fentanyl proliferated in the streets, his battle with addiction intensified. Despite this, his family remained steadfast, continually intervening and expressing unwavering hope for his recovery.
His journey highlights the significant challenges faced by individuals grappling with trauma and addiction. It serves as a reminder of the critical need for compassion and understanding within our communities, as well as the importance of providing support to those who are struggling. Ja'Maar's story is one of resilience, illustrating the impact of struggles on families and the urgent need for awareness and action in addressing the underlying issues of violence and addiction.
On September 8, 2023, shortly after midnight, Ja'Maar was struck by an SUV in the streets of Back Bay, Boston. It was later revealed that the driver had been using cannabis at the time. Ja'Maar was rushed to Tufts Medical Center, facing life-threatening injuries. His family flooded the hospital with support, praying and hoping as he remained on life support.
On September 11, 2023, at 6:28 PM, the devastating news came—Ja'Maar was pronounced deceased. Although his heart continued to beat strongly, his brain showed no signs of life. With a heavy but humbled heart, his mother chose to donate his heart, honoring Ja'Maar's lifelong desire to help others. Before life support was removed, the hospital provided the family with a printout of his heartbeat line. In recognition of his love for music, the doctors arranged for a music therapist to meet with the family, who recorded Ja'Maar’s heartbeat and mixed it into the lullaby "Hush Little Baby," a song his mother sang to him throughout his life, including during his hospital stay. The music therapist and support staff from LDBPI played vital roles in guiding the family through this heart-wrenching experience.
On September 14, 2023, around 12:17 PM, Ja'Maar was taken off life support to donate his heart, saving the life of a 60-year-old man. Since Ja'Maar so often wanted to help others, his heart became his last gift out of so many that he gave to the world. As the music therapist played "Hush Little Baby" on her guitar and the family gathered, Tufts Medical Center honored him as a hero, featuring one of the largest and most memorable Honor Walks to the operating room in the hospital's history.
Ja'Maar D. Johnson: THE GIFT OF LIFE 5/31/86 - 9/11/23
To save and heal lives through organ donation, please call New England Donor Services at (800) 446-6363.
