Lion King Actress to Receive Cord Blood Transplant

Shannon Tavarez, the 11-year-old actress who played Nala in the Broadway musical The Lion King, will undergo a cord blood transplant to treat her acute myeloid leukemia next week.

Shannon was diagnosed with the disease just six-months after landing the opportunity of a lifetime, playing a leading role in an acclaimed Broadway musical. Early last year, she nailed her first-ever professional audition and was cast as Nala, but her lucky break was interrupted when she began suffering from severe bouts of fatigue and back pain. She was soon diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer that interferes with the product of normal blood cells.

She was told that she would need a bone marrow transplants but because of her mixed ancestry, finding the exact match necessary for a bone marrow transplant would be near to impossible. Drives were held in her honour, as hundreds of possible donors came out to show their support – but their efforts proved to be fruitless.

He doctors soon opted for cord blood treatment, as finding a donor does not require an exact match. Fortunately, the decision was the right one, and an anonymous donor has been found for the young actress.

She is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy, and will receive her cord blood transplant next Tuesday. Her family is praying that every will work out for the best, and Shannon continues to sing and play the piano in good spirits.