Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Parents of Zach Sobiech reflect on his legacy

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Zach Sobiech
Zach Sobiech, 18, of Lakeland, Minn., who had musical success with a song he wrote about his fight with cancer, died May 21, 2013. Sobiech's song, "Clouds," became a hit on YouTube and led to his signing a contract with BMI. Sobiech had a rare form of bone cancer.
Image courtesy of CaringBridge

This interview is part of a year-end series with Minnesotans that made news in 2013.

One of the most viral videos online this year came from Zach Sobiech of Lakeland, Minn.

Laura and Rob Sobiech
Laura and Rob Sobiech, parents of Zach Sobiech, at MPR Dec. 11, 2013.
MPR photo/Tom Weber

The video for his song "Clouds" now has more than 9 million hits in the year it's been online. He was dying from cancer when he wrote it and had been diagnosed four years ago with a bone cancer called osteosarcoma.

His treatment over the years included hopeful signs, but it eventually spread to his lungs. After a family trip to Europe, doctors found more cancer in his pelvis. At that point, even surgery would've only bought him a few extra months.

Zach's parents, Laura and Rob Sobiech, join The Daily Circuit to talk about their son's legacy and what his song has done for cancer research.

His original "Clouds" video:

My Last Days: Zach Sobiech

Zach Sobiech KS95 Largest "Clouds" Choir

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
All Things Considered with Scott Detrow