|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadway Rallies for Lion King Star Who Needs Bone Marrow Transplant
by Susan Donaldson James
July 23 |
|
|
 |
Shannon Tavarez was 5 years old when her mother realized she could sing. "She sang an Alicia Keys song, 'I Keep on Falling,' and when she sang it, it was just unbelievable!" said her mother Odiney Brown, a contract analyst for the City of New York.
By 11, the talented girl competed against thousands of other star-struck young girls to win the part of young Nala, Simba's feisty feline girlfriend in the Broadway production of "The Lion King."
The little girl who loved Silly Bandz and "Twilight," was living her dream. But then the circle of life took a terrible turn. In April, when she was performing on stage, she knew something wasn't right.
"It was hard to walk, I was fatigued and tired a lot," Shannon told Good Morning America.
The talented star was diagosed with acute myeloid leukemia and immediately began chemotherapy, finishing her Queens fifth grade but missing graduation and the big school dance.
"That day we never left," said her mother. "We were in the hospital for almost two months."
Now, she is hoping to beat the odds once more and find a bone marrow donor to help her fight the leukemia that has not only derailed her seven-month-young career but now threatens her life.
Today, Shannon's "Lion King" cast mates are coming together to hold a drive at the Minskoff Theater in Times Square, hoping to find a donor match.
Do you have an inspirational story that you would like to share with the YourCause.com team? Write us at info@yourcause.com.
|
| The content published and opinions expressed at YourCause.com does not necessarily represent a statement or position by any employee of YourCause, LLC. All content is intended to inform and educate readers on a variety of events, deemed newsworthy, taking place throughout our world. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
