Current:Home > ScamsMama June Shares Why Late Daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell Stopped Cancer Treatments -EquityExchange
Mama June Shares Why Late Daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell Stopped Cancer Treatments
View
Date:2025-04-16 15:48:19
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! (15)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- 24-Hour Flash Deal: Make Cooking Easier and Save $40 on Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer
- Woman traveling with 4 kidnapped Americans in Mexico alerted police when they didn't meet up with her in Texas
- For the record: We visit Colleen Shogan, the first woman appointed U.S. Archivist
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Below Deck's Captain Lee Rosbach Finally Returns After Leaving Season 10 for Health Issues
- 3 YA fantasy novels for summer that bring out the monsters within
- Mrs. Davis' First Teaser Asks You to Answer a Mysterious Call
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Rick Froberg was the perfect punk vocalist
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Remains of Roman aristocrat unearthed in ancient lead coffin in England: Truly extraordinary
- From Barbie's origin story to the power of quitting, give these new podcasts a listen
- 'Barbie' review: Sometimes corporate propaganda can be fun as hell
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- 15 Books to Read in March
- A Shopping Editor's Must-Haves Under $55 From Kim Kardashian's SKIMS
- Jennifer Coolidge’s Dream Marvel Superpower Will (Literally) Blow You Away
Recommendation
Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
Soldiers find nearly 2 million fentanyl pills in Tijuana 1 day before Mexico's president claims fentanyl isn't made in the country
'It's not over yet': Artists work to keep Iran's protests in view
On the brink of extinction, endangered West African lion cubs caught on video in Senegal
New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
3 shot in suspected terror attack in Tel Aviv; gunman killed, police say
15 Amazon Products You've Probably Been Putting Off Buying (But Should Finally Get)
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Star Crystal Kung Minkoff Shares Must-Haves for People on the Go