A teenager who’s been told he has only a few months left to live has taken to YouTube to begin saying his goodbyes.
Three years ago, Zach Sobiech, 17, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that develops in children and affects only 800 people each year. A lifelong lover of the guitar, he underwent a number of surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy, but more bad news came this summer when the Lakeland, Minn., native learned that the cancer had spread to his lungs and pelvis.
The doctors told him that there were no other effective methods of treatment left to try out. Sobiech was given only a few months left to live.
On Dec. 5, Sobiech teamed up with Minnesota production house The Whoolly Rhino to release somewhat of a farewell song for his friends and family. Called “Clouds,” the song plays out with a sweet melody over xylophones and acoustic guitars. In it, Sobiech references his figurative transcendence into the clouds, singing “If I only had a little more time with you, we could go up, up, up and take a little ride.”
Since its posting, the song has attracted more than 390,000 views and quite a few inspirational messages.
“Your song made me think about the life I’m living,” YouTuber marqukitoz wrote. “I’m here today, living with the hope that I will wake up tomorrow. The truth is I don’t know. No one knows. I might take a trip to the clouds sooner than you. Anyone could. Thanks for being so strong. It inspires others with problems in their lives, and it helps to overcome them because there is always someone with bigger things to deal with. I hope you find peace in your soul and your family, too.”
Those who like the song and want to hear it offline can purchase “Clouds” through iTunes. Sobiech and The Whoolly Rhino report that all proceeds will go to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund, a foundation dedicated to facilitating the research and treatment of children’s cancer.
Photo via The Whoolly Rhino/YouTube
