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Zach Sobiech Dies of Bone Cancer

Zach Sobiech, the teen who was known for his song "Clouds," has died of bone cancer. He was a senior at Stillwater Area High School.

Zach Sobiech's battle with cancer is over.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our son, Zachary David Sobiech, a statement from Sobiech’s family reads. "Our family has been blessed, not only by his amazing presence in our lives, but also by the love and support of our family and friends and by so many people in the community. In particular we’d like to thank those people who listened with their hearts and helped Zach bring his message and his music to the world.”

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 22 from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Church of St. Michael, according to Zach's CaringBridge site. The funeral, also at the Church of St. Michael is Thursday, May 23 at 11 a.m., with visitation an hour before the service. 

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In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.

Sobiech, a senior at Stillwater Area High School, inspired millions with his positive outlook on life. He died of bone cancer in his Lakeland Monday morning, surrounded by his loved ones, and of course, music.

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He was 18 years old.

Zach has taught us all to celebrate life, cherish friendship and appreciate the gift of laughter, a statement from the Stillwater Area School District reads. One of the greatest gifts we could give him now would be to emulate his spirit and vitality for life.

Sobiech became an Internet sensation with his song "Clouds," which went viral on YouTube in November, garnering about 3 million views.

The funeral and visitation for Sobiech will be open to the public and details will be released on his CaringBridge page www.caringbridge.org/visit/zacharysobiech. The family has requested that the funeral details not be released in the newspaper but on Sobiech’s  CaringBridge site.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.

From Mary Divine's Pioneer Press article:

Sobiech, a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Stillwater, was always good at "recognizing what is good and being grateful for it," said his mother, Laura Sobiech. "It's the first thing he seeks out, his starting point. He taught all of us how it's done."

His legacy will live on through his music.

When he was 14 years old, Sobiech was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Given only months to live, Zach turned to music to inspire others and raise awareness.

Stillwater Area High School posted the following message on the school's website Monday morning:

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Zach Sobiech, a senior at our school, passed away early this morning surrounded by those he loved.

Zach has been an inspiration to people around the world as he heroically battled a rare form of cancer. His battle was made public with the release of a song he wrote, called Clouds, which became a YouTube sensation. Zach’s story has been featured in local and national news reports, and he’s touched the lives of people around the globe.

While we all knew this day would likely come, it is never easy to say good-bye. To help our students and staff through this difficult time we’ve arranged for additional counseling and support services to be available, and will provide the opportunity for students to meet with these staff as necessary.

In the coming days we want to maintain our educational programming while continuing to provide support to our students and families as necessary. I ask for your help with keeping students in the routine of attending school so they can take advantage of the comfort this structure will provide.

RELATED: 

Lakeland Teen Captures the Attention of Hollywood

Lakeland teenager with rare cancer saying goodbye through song: Pioneer Press

Zach Sobiech Will Perform at Benefit Concert Feb. 16 at the Varsity Theater: Stillwater Patch

A song played on heartstrings: Star Tribune

Teen songwriter with cancer is YouTube sensation: KARE 11

Zach Sobiech, Teen With Cancer, Records Touching Song to Say Goodbye: Huffington Post

Teen Fights Cancer by Strumming, Smiling: CNN

VIDEO: Zach Sobiech and Friends Sing the National Anthem: Stillwater Patch

A Song for Zach: St. Croix Catholic Says A Little Prayer For You (VIDEO)

VIDEO: "Fix Me Up" by Zach Sobiech and Sammy Brown

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