Rappers 50 Cent and Tony Yayo have registered as bone marrow donors in hopes of helping a young actress diagnosed with leukemia.
According to Yahoo Music News, the rappers made the decision to register with DKMS and become a part of the Be The Match Registry when 50 learned that 11-year-old Shannon Tavarez needed a bone marrow transplant.
Before being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, Tavarez had a co-starring role as a young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King.
AD LOADING...
The story hit home to 50, who has a child of his own. “My son is just a couple years older than Shannon and I can’t imagine if his life was needlessly cut short when there is someone out there that could save him,” said the Queens rapper in a statement.
“Shannon’s chances of finding a matching donor are slim because she’s African American and Dominican and minorities are underrepresented in the national registry,” he added. “Everyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity deserves a fair chance at life. Registering to become a bone marrow donor starts with a cheek swab but it’s more than that. It’s a commitment to save a life.”
To sign up as a bone marrow donor, visit GetSwabbed.org. Registrants must be between the ages of 18 and 55, and be in good health.
AD LOADING...
Below is footage of 50 Cent getting swabbed to be a part of the registry, followed by a video about Shannon Tavarez.
