Ryan and Shannon's Largest "Clouds" Choir in honor of Zach Sobiech
5,000 People Gathered to Sing at Mall of America in Honor of Zach Sobiech
What is Ryan & Shannon's Cloud Choir
- Ryan & Shannon's Largest “Clouds” Choir for a Cause. On December 6, 2012, during Ryan & Shannon's KS95 for Kids Radiothon, KS95 debuted a song by Zach Sobiech, a teen with cancer, called “Clouds.” Zach and the song became a worldwide sensation, touching the hearts of millions. It has now become an annual fundraiser at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Zach Sobiech's Story
Zach Sobiech was a young man who grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota. Zach was born May 3, 1995. He was fourteen years old when he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Zach inspired his friends, family and the world, the way he faced a life-threatening diagnosis. He believed in living every day to the fullest until his passing on May 20, 2013.
Zach's Passion for Music
Zach was a Folk-Rock singer and guitar player. He was a member of a band called, "A Firm Handshake." Zach found music especially therapeutic after being diagnosed with bone cancer. He wrote the song "Clouds" as his way of saying goodbye to his friends and family. His song quickly went viral with over 8.3 million views on YouTube. It was also the number one song on KS95 radio station in Minnesota, and is the number one selling song on iTunes.
As a cancer survivor myself, I was very touched by Zach's inspirational story and how bravely he fought cancer. I jumped at the chance to sing his song "Clouds" in his honor, at the Mall of America in Minnesota.
Event at MOA in Zach's Honor
Zach debuted his song "Clouds" on December 6, 2012 at the KS95 kids radiothon for cancer. That's when millions of people fell in love with the teenager with bone cancer. Now, just a year later, the touching song was sung by over 5,000 fans who gathered in Zach's name. The event was called, "Ryan and Shannon's Largest "Clouds" Choir." Can you imagine what it was like to be a part of this. Five Thousand participants wore matching sky-blue T-shirts and circled four levels of the rotunda at Mall of America. The huge crowd included church choirs and members, School choirs and students, as well as families and friends that wanted to honor and remember Zach.
This moving event is something my sister and I will never forget. We couldn't think of a better way to begin the holiday season. As we held each other during the song, we thought of Zach's beautiful spirit as well as others who have lost the battle, and those like me who continue to survive cancer.
Photo's with KS95 Radio Personalities
Ryan & Shannon's Largest "Clouds" Choir Video
Zach Sobiech Wrote the Song "Clouds"
Have you Heard the Song
Link to Children's Cancer Research
- Children's Cancer Research Fund
Children’s Cancer Research Fund invests in lifesaving, leading-edge research in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of childhood cancers and blood-related disorders. - Home | Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
- 15th Annual KS95 for Kids Radiothon | KS95 94.5 Today's Variety | Twin Cities
© 2013 Linda Rogers
Comments
Very cool! That's all I've got but it means a bunch....very cool!
Blessings to you my friend and Happy Holidays!
bill
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Hi Billy-what an incredible and moving event it was. The emotion was palpable at the Mall of America. It was especially touching seeing Zach's family. God Bless you and Happy Holidays :-)
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to a wonderful person, Zach! I love all of your photos as they show just how many people showed up for such a moving event.
Up and more and sharing
Hugs and much love,
Faith Reaper
This sounds like a wonderful event and a beautiful tribute to Zach. It must have been awe-inspiring to be a participant!
Fourteen must be the magic age for Osteosarcoma diagnosis. A young friend of ours was diagnosed at 14, she lived 6 years. Cheers to a young man who lived life well.
Linda, first I want to share in your joy of being a cancer survivor!
I know of Zach and Clouds. He was an amazing young man. This must have been a very emotional event for you and your sister. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story.
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Hi Faith-Zach is still inspiring and touching people, even after his passing. God Bless you my friend for coming by and reading about this touching event in his honor.
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Hi Alicia-it was a really moving event and a memory my sister and I will never forget. Thanks so much for coming by and reading about it.
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Hi tireless traveler-It's so hard to see these young people so sick. Cancer stinks! Zach's spirit continues to inspire everyone. Thanks so much for checking out my hub about this amazing event.
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Hi bravewarrior-it's so awesome to see you here. Thanks so sharing my joy of being a survivor. It was a really beautiful and emotional event for Zach. My sister and I are so glad that God has kept me healthy these past ten years. We were celebrating so much at the Clouds Choir that day. Bless you for coming by :-)
This is such a beautiful tribute to Zach! Thank you for sharing it with us. Blessings to you and yours...
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You are so welcome Ruby. It was one of the most touching and meaningful events I have ever been a part of. God Bless you my friend. Have a great weekend :-)
I saw the video posted on some website awhile ago and found it so touching. Thank you for sharing the background on this young man's illness. God bless you, sweet friend.
What a lovely tribute, Linda, to a very likable and talented fellow. He will certainly be missed.
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You are very welcome Dianna. My sister and I felt honored to be part of this event. It was such a great way to start the holiday season. Zach was a brave young man and he is still inspiring people after his death. Thanks for coming by my friend.
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Hi drbj-He will be missed~it's great to listen to his hit song to bring his spirit to us all. Blessings this holiday season :-)
I know it was wonderful to be a part of and a memory of memories. A joy to read and watch. Voted in your poll and votes up and sharing!
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Aww-thank you so much Jackie for the kind words and and taking part in the poll and voting. It was the perfect way to start the Christmas season. Blessings to you and your family.
Dear Linda,
So glad you did a hub about this amazing event.
I had not heard about Zach, or his song, "Clouds" until you posted the above video elsewhere, but after watching the video I did a Google search about this wonderful young man and believe me, I was dewey eyed more than once as I read about his life and watched him perform the song with his band. His story is so moving and inspirational, even though he only lived to the age of 18.
I can certainly see why participating in this event with Laura touched both your hearts so deeply.
Am voting this up across the board and sharing.
Hope you have a Happy New Year and that 2014 is your best year ever.
Sending a Bouquet of Hugs & Love to You & Laura,
Gail
Thanks for sharing this with us. Would love to visit that shopping mall, it decorated so beautifully.
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Great to see you Gail-Zach was beyond his years for sure. He bravely fought cancer and was an inspiration to all of us. It was an emotional event for sis and I. I could have been Zach but God spared me and I will be ten years cancer free this coming March. Happy New Year Gail and I'm sending Hugs right back to you.
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Kikalina-It is a beautiful mall and especially when it's decorated for the holidays. Thanks so much for coming by :-)
Very nice to hear about him. It sounds like a wonderful event.
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He was an inspiring young man. So sad how many people lose the battle to cancer. It's an awful disease.
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