Broadway Rallies Behind Young Star Battling Cancer

A massive effort is underway to help a young girl in Queens fight cancer. Shannon Tavarez, 11, made her Broadway debut last year as young Nala in "The Lion King." But now, she is facing a battle against cancer, but she's not alone. Shannon needs a bone marrow transplant, so organizers set up a bone marrow drive Sunday at St. Malachy's church, just blocks away from where Shannon has starred on Broadway. "Her whole outlook on this has been very positive, she's still happy, she's still always on stage, always ready for a performance. That's just the kid she is," said Tavarez' aunt, Luz Tavarez. Volunteers packed the church to take a swab test and see if they were a match. "It was simple, it wasn't hard at all, and I hope I can be a match, I hope I can help out," said one participant. "So many people have heard this story, so you've got family members here, and you've got people who have never met her and have been touched by this incredible story," said DKMS Donor Recruiter Kelly Taylor. Experts say it is often hard for minority or multi-ethnic people like Shannon to find donors. Nearly 70 percent of people in need of a transplant rely on anonymous matches found through the national donor registry. Another drive will be held for Shannon at the Minskoff Theatre, the home of "The Lion King" with cast members Friday. For more information, visit http://www.matchshannon.com.