A perfect bone marrow match was never found for young stage actress Shannon Tavarez, who died of leukemia in November, but her family and supporters have vowed to work tirelessly to save others. A bone marrow donor registry drive has been organized in memory of the 11-year-old 'Lion King' star.Those wishing to donate can head to DKMS, a bone marrow transplant center, located in Harlem, N.Y., on Sunday to get tested. (The test is a simple inner cheek swab.) Tavarez's mother, Odiney Brown, told the New York Post that helping others in need of a bone marrow transplant was one of Shannon's main goals.
The actress played Young Nala from September 2009 until last April, when she began feeling pain in her lower back and legs. Soon, the emerging star was diagnosed, and the search for a donor began.




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Such a sad pointless death. Blacks need to get on the Donor Marrow list-I have been for 2 years. It doesn't cost anything and you have the chance to save a life. Unlike blood, bone marrow is ethnicity specific
Every single time a Black child (or adult) dies because he/she didn't receive a matching donor, it is OUR FAULT.
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This young lady is also of Hispanic origins on her Father's side. Many people who have different ancestries even second -third generations should place each down on the bone marrow donor's list. God Bless This Child. Please God Let Them Find A Cure For All Cancers, and Diabetes, Type 1 And 2.
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I just re-read the article. I am so sorry she is no longer with us. I feel terrible.
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