Ryan and Shannon's Largest "Clouds" Choir in honor of Zach Sobiech

Author:
Linda Rogers
Updated:
Jan 14, 2020

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

My sister and I posing with Radio Celebs, Staci and Dez of KS95
L Rogers

My sister and I posing with Crisco-Executive Producer of the KS95 Radio Show with Moon and Staci
L Rogers

Ryan & Shannon's Largest "Clouds" Choir Video

Zach Sobiech Wrote the Song "Clouds"

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

Comments

Linda Rogers (author) from Minnesota on February 09, 2014:

He was an inspiring young man. So sad how many people lose the battle to cancer. It's an awful disease.

mylindaelliott from Louisiana on February 09, 2014:

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8-reasons-why-from-should-be-your-next-binge-watch

Very nice to hear about him. It sounds like a wonderful event.

Linda Rogers (author) from Minnesota on January 01, 2014:

Kikalina-It is a beautiful mall and especially when it's decorated for the holidays. Thanks so much for coming by :-)

Linda Rogers (author) from Minnesota on January 01, 2014:

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.

kikalina from Europe on January 01, 2014:

Thanks for sharing this with us. Would love to visit that shopping mall, it decorated so beautifully.

Gail Sobotkin from South Carolina on December 31, 2013:

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

Linda Rogers (author) from Minnesota on December 22, 2013:

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.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on December 22, 2013:

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!

Linda Rogers (author) from Minnesota on December 16, 2013:

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 :-)

Linda Rogers (author) from Minnesota on December 16, 2013:

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.

drbj and sherry from south Florida on December 16, 2013:

What a lovely tribute, Linda, to a very likable and talented fellow. He will certainly be missed.

Dianna Mendez on December 15, 2013:

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.