Zach Sobiech, the teen who inspired the Internet with his song “Clouds,” lost his battle with cancer on Monday. He was 18-years-old.
According to Fox News, Sobiech became a star on the web with the CD and download release of “Clouds,” which helped raise over $100,000 for research into osteosarcoma. Sobiech had been diagnosed with the form of bone cancer in 2009. “Maybe someday I’ll see you again,” he sang. “We’ll fly up in the clouds and we’ll never see the end.”
He had first recorded the track by himself, but the released recording was made with the help of professionals. Since it was posted, the song garnered over 3.2 million views.
“We'd like to thank those people who listened with their hearts and helped Zach bring his message and his music to the world,” his family said in a statement, reports CNN.
Sobiech was 14 when he was diagnosed with the disease, which mostly affects children. In May 2012, he was told that he only had a year to live and so he turned to music.
After “Clouds” went public, Sobiech drew interest from celebrities, who were also moved by “Clouds.” Bryan Cranston, The Lumineers, Chris Pratt, Anna Faris and many more appeared in a video with messages and lip-synced to the song.
Children's Cancer Research Fund commented, “Cancer may have taken Zach too soon, but he leaves a lasting legacy that most of us will never achieve. His message of love and hope delivered through infectious lyrics and memorable tunes have imprinted on the minds and hearts of millions around the world.”
The family asks that donations be made to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.
image: screenshot