Shannon Tavarez, a star of “The Lion King” on Broadway has passed away on Monday after a battle with leukemia. The type of leukemia she had was considered rare among people of her age.

Famous celebrities such as Rihanna, and 50 Cent campaigned to help the young star find a donor for a bone marrow transplant.

In “The Lion King”, Tavarez played a character named “Nala” who was the girlfriend of Simba in the play. She beat that odds at earning a spot in the critically acclaimed play but unfortunately could not beat the odds in her terrible disease.

Rest in peace Shannon Tavarez.