Mama June Shannon plans to stick by her daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell’s side following her cancer diagnosis – despite their strained Relationship over the years!
As we previously reported, sources revealed to TMZ that the 28-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in January after undergoing a series of tests for severe stomach pain, and she began chemotherapy last month. Her younger sister, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson confirmed the news on Thursday, writing on Instagram Stories alongside a screenshot of the report:
“& this is what I mean when I say you never truly know what somebody is going through at home. No matter how famous they are. Yes, I’m very famous but normal s**t happens to me and my family & y’all need to realize that asap.”
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This is no doubt a tough time for Anna and her family, but it sounds like she has a great support system surrounding her – especially with Mama June. According to TMZ on Sunday, the 43-year-old reality star has been “stepping up” to help care for Anna, including taking her to doctors appointments. A family source told the outlet that the mother and daughter began to grow “closer” after Anna’s diagnosis, explaining:
“June and Anna were slowly working on building back their relationship about a year ago, but Anna’s recent stage 4 adrenal carcinoma diagnosis has rapidly brought the pair even closer.”
For those who don’t know, the two had a very strained relationship for years – with Anna telling Dr. Phil in 2014 that the Mama June: Road to Redemption star “lied [her] entire life.” But their relationship appeared to be on the mend when they reunited at Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird’s baby shower in 2021 and at Mama June’s surprise wedding to Justin Stroud in February. And with Anna’s cancer diagnosis, the TMZ insider said Mama June is doing “whatever she can” to be there for her daughter:
“June immediately knew she had to be there for her daughter after the diagnosis, and feels the past is simply in the past. She’s now doing whatever she can to help, including watching Anna’s kids.”
The source added that this has been “an emotional roller coaster” for the entire family, but they are ultimately trying to stay positive right now.
We are continuing to send Anna and her family so much love and light during this difficult time!
[Image via Anna Cardwell/Instagram & WE TV/YouTube]