Current:Home > ScamsMama June Shares Why Late Daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell Stopped Cancer Treatments -MoneyMatrix
Mama June Shares Why Late Daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell Stopped Cancer Treatments
View
Date:2025-04-15 10:01:10
June "Mama June" Shannon is reflecting on a difficult time for her family.
The reality star detailed the last months of her eldest daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell's cancer battle and decision to enter hospice before she died in December at age 29.
"It was difficult watching her have to go through chemo," June told E! News in an exclusive interview. "Having to go through radiation and having to do immunotherapy, and then trying to get into hospice long before we actually could."
"It wasn't the fact that she was tired of fighting because even to her last day, she fought," the 44-year-old emphasized. "She was a feisty one even during her last days."
But June recognized the emotional and physical toll fighting stage 4 adrenal carcinoma was for Anna.
"I think she was just over it," she recalled, "and she just wanted to spend her last days doing what she wanted to do."
The Mama June: Family Crisis star—who is also mom to Jessica Shannon, Lauryn Efrid and Alana Thompson—admitted it was difficult convincing Anna's doctors to approve hospice care.
"Watching her try to say, 'Okay, I'm done with treatment, I just want to live the rest of my life the way I want to live it,'" June shared. "They wouldn't listen."
Anna—who was mom to Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, 8, the latter of whom she shared with ex Michael Cardwell—continued her pleas until doctors relented.
"She said, 'Okay, I'm just not coming back and I want to do home health hospice,' and they finally signed off," June explained. "We tried to for a long time before that."
In January, June and her husband Justin Stroud were granted temporary custody of Kaitlyn, who she said moved in with her a month before Anna died and that she's been caring for her since.
"I tell Kaitlyn all the time, 'I'll never replace your mother,'" she told E! News. "I say this all the time, but Kylee shouldn't have to be raised by Kylee's dad. I shouldn't be raising Kaitlyn. Anna should be here raising her children. It's not fair for any of us that Anna's gone, especially for her children."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (52)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- How Chris Olsen Got Ringworm Down There and on His Face
- Billy Graham statue for U.S. Capitol to be unveiled next week
- She was the chauffeur, the encourager and worked for the NSA. But mostly, she was my mom
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Despite revenue downgrade, North Carolina anticipates nearly $1B more in cash
- Three-time MVP Mike Trout opted for surgery instead of being season-long DH
- Battered by boycott and backlash, Target to no longer sell Pride collection in all stores
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Gun thefts from cars in the US have tripled over the past decade, new report finds
Ranking
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- For second time ever, The Second City to perform show with all-AAPI cast
- Attorney for slain airman, sheriff dig in after release of shooting body-camera footage
- WNBA to expand to Toronto, per report. Team would begin play in 2026.
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- TikToker Taylor Odlozil Shares Wife Haley's Final Words to Son Before Death From Ovarian Cancer
- Phoenix Suns part ways with Frank Vogel after one season
- An education board in Virginia votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools
Recommendation
Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
Tesla’s Autopilot caused a fiery crash into a tree, killing a Colorado man, lawsuit says
From 'The Iron Claw' to 'The Idea of You,' here are 10 movies you need to stream right now
Red, White & Royal Blue Will Reign Again With Upcoming Sequel
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Officer fatally shoots armed suspect in domestic disturbance that injured man, police say
Colorado-based abortion fund sees rising demand. Many are from Texas, where procedure is restricted
Stars avoid complete collapse this time, win Game 2 to even series with Avalanche