Published: Thursday - March 24, 2005
Words by Jay Casteel
Nelly (Photo: Universal)
After a long three-year struggle with leukemia, Nelly's sister, Jacqueline Donahue, passed Thursday morning (March 24) at the age of 31. Donahue co-founded a foundation called Jes Us 4 Jackie Foundation in 2003, in which she helped educate black people about the bone-marrow and stem-cell transplants.
"We want to thank everyone for their love and support of Jackie," Nelly's family and the Jes Us 4 Jackie Foundation said in a statement. "In particular, we want to thank those who participated in the Jes Us 4 Jackie bone-marrow drives. We are very proud of her efforts to educate and raise awareness about the disease and the need for African-Americans to join the National Donor Registry. She will always be remembered for her loving spirit, energy, courage, and unshakeable faith."
Nelly, who had to maintain his career as his sister's health deteriorated, also helped to raise awareness of his sister's disease, and has appeared at numerous events to enroll minority participants in the National Bone Marrow Registry. Bone-marrow transplants can often offer a better chance of survival for those suffering from leukemia.
The rapper -- who performed on Wednesday night (March 23) at the Star of Texas Rodeo in Austin, Texas -- canceled his Thursday night (March 24) performance in Beaumont, Texas. He is currently touring with T.I. and Fat Joe. It is not known when he is expected to resume with the tour.
"We are saddened by the loss of Nelly's sister, Jackie Donahue, and extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Nelly and Jackie's family during this difficult time," said Nelly's label in a released statement.
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