Lil Shannon
Aww… Lil Shannon Tavarez, the lil dynamo who charmed us all as the young lioness “Nala” in the Broadway production of The Lion King, lost her battle with leukemia Monday at Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park on Long Island.
The sixth-grader was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, AML in April. Because donors can be very hard to find for people of minority or multiracial backgrounds (Shannon is African-American and Dominican they make up less than7% of the national registry -according to DKMS), her family had to solicit from outside donors. They created a website, MatchShannon.com, where she inspired more than 10,000 donors to get tested and register, hopin’ to find a match. Alicia Keyes Beatz, Rhianna and 50 Cent all campaigned to help find one, to no avail.
“She was a remarkable and talented young lady who touched the lives of those she entertained, as well as those who cared for her over the past several months.
“Shannon’s bright smile, amazing talent, and courage will continue to inspire us in our efforts.”
r.i.p, baby~
