Shoni Anderson, of Mt. Zion, Illinois, was diagnosed with leukemia on February 1st, 2021 at 5-years-old. Her mother Becky Anderson says Shoni began complaining about pain in her leg, the family thought it was simply growing pains. As the pain became more frequent, Shoni was taken to the emergency room where doctors told them about her diagnosis.
Shoni comes from a large family, which includes six older siblings. While the news came as a shock to the family, they prepared to help support Shoni for her cancer treatments.
People throughout Mt. Zion have also rallied around Shoni in a tremendous way. The effort to support Shoni and the Andersons has been dubbed ‘Team Shoni’ in the community. A family friend decided to start a Facebook page with the name for those wanted to keep up with Shoni’s journey, which now has more than 1,000 members.
“It creates a feeling of love and peace, just the amount of people praying and lifting us up, gives us energy,” Becky says.
Becky added Shoni’s treatment will last for at least two years, which includes blood transfusions for any complications she may face. The family hosted a blood drive in honor of Shoni at the Passion Community Church on June 2, 2021, to help patients in need of lifesaving blood.
If you are healthy and feeling well, please schedule an appointment visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you.
Written by Communications Manager Drew Brown
American Red Cross of Illinois 