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Parents of Zach Sobiech reflect on his legacy

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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