It’s always sad to hear about the death of a young child. Especially when a young one is suffering from a condition and helpless with something like leukemia. According to Broadway World, Lion King star Shannon Tavarez died at the age of 11 of acute myeloid leukemia. The young starlet appeared on the hit Broadway play, “The Lion King” as young Nala from September 2009 until April. During that time, she began to experience pain in her lower back and legs. Once she was diagnosed with leukemia, a search for a bone marrow donor began. Several celebrities such as Alicia Keys, 50 Cent, Wendy Williams and Rihanna led campaigns in support finding a match for Shannon and the importance of donating bone marrow.
Unfortunately, a donor was not found but an alternative option of performing an umbilical cord blood treatment was performed on Shannon in August. She also went through extensive chemotherapy and stayed at a hospital in New York City.
Shannon Tavarez began singing at the age of 3 and attended the Harlem School of the Arts for vocal and piano.
Her campaign brought a national awareness about bone marrow donors and hopefully more people will be exposed to this mission to help others and donate. If you are interested knowing more about this and being a donor click here National Marrow Donor Program
Our condolences go out to Shannon’s family.
Shannon Tavarez performs
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