“You don’t have to learn you’re dying to start living.”
Most seniors hope to get through college, however Zach Sobiech just dreamed of finishing his senior year of high school. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, 17-year-old Zach knew he only had months to live. Coming from a very close family, Zach knew the impact his death would have on those that loved him so he turned to music to say goodbye.
Throughout the short documentary on YouTube “My Last Days: Meet Zach Sobiech,” Zach talks about the importance of leaving behind something his family can have even after he is gone. Zach’s popular song “Clouds,” which at one point was the most downloaded song on iTunes, is a tribute to his close-knit family, girlfriend, and best friend, all of whom are featured in the video.
Zach’s story has been nothing but inspiring to people all over the world. The YouTube video is filled with loving comments not only about his kindness, but about how Zach has helped strangers get through a tough loss in their lives, and about how his amazingly positive attitude impacted all who knew him. Through this film and through “Clouds,” he will impact those who did not know him as well.
Zach knew it was important to experience life to the fullest. In the film we watch as he gets the chance to drive his dream car for a week, have a picnic with his girlfriend in the Minnesota Vikings’ football stadium, and, most importantly, spend time with his loved ones. Zach talks calmly about death because although he may be scared, he feels the true sufferers will be the people still alive.
Because Zach has such a powerful story and insightful outlook, many celebrities got together to make a music video in support and tribute to Zach’s courage and humanity. This video was done as a surprise to Zach himself, and the documentary film contains a scene in which he sees it for the first time himself.
The video’s director, as he introduces the surprise to Zach, tells him that he should know that he is not getting all this attention because he is dying, but rather because of the way he is living. It is impossible to watch this film and not be inspired and moved by Zach’s story.
Zach died May 20, 2013 but his memory lives on through the love he shared not only after he was diagnosed,but throughout his entire life.