On December 6, 2012, Twin Cities’ radio station KS95 played a song called “Clouds,” written by Zach Sobiech, a Minnesota teenager who had been diagnosed with terminal Osteosarcoma. After hearing the song, people from all over the world followed Zach’s story. His life changed the lives of countless individuals forever. Two years since the debut of Zach’s song, 5,000 people gathered at the Mall of America to remember Zach and to sing his song.

Voices – both young and old – rang throughout the building. Each participant knew Zach’s famous chorus by heart.
“It’s a truly beautiful thing to see so many people who have been touched by Zach’s music and story. We are so honored and blessed by the event. It is bittersweet, though. Zach is not here anymore and we miss him,” said Laura Sobiech.
The event was hosted by Radio Announcers Ryan and Shannon from KS95, and presented by Best Buy on Thursday, December 11th from 6:30-7:30 pm. This is the second year in a row that KS95 hosted a Clouds Concert.

“It came to be last year when KS95 wanted to honor the one year anniversary of the release of Zach’s song ‘Clouds’ at the KS95 for Kids Radio-thon that raises money for Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Gillette Children’s hospital.

Registration was open to anyone; however, they had to close registration when they reached five thousand participants a couple weeks ago. Anyone can go out to the MOA and check it out though,” said Laura.

This was Grace Sobiech, sister of Zach’s, second time attending the Clouds Concert. “This year, they changed it up a bit. It wasn’t all about Zach. It was more about cancer kids in general. Families brought signs with the names of their family members on them. That was really sweet,” she said.

This was Brittany Carter, junior at SAHS’ first time attending the Clouds Concert. “It was really cool to see how many people came together to support the cause, and everyone was super enthusiastic and happy to be there,” she said.

People from all over Minnesota came to show their support. “Choirs from all over the Twin Cities, families, various groups and individuals began checking in at 4pm and gathered in the rotunda on every level. The event began at 6:30 p.m. with some Christmas carols and then ended with singing, ‘Clouds,’” said Laura.

It was quite the experience. “The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for the community to
gather and celebrate this beautiful time of year and to remember the children who have to battle with disease and hardship. It’s about joining in and becoming a part of something bigger than ourselves and celebrating the joy that can be found in this life,” said Laura.

The event achieved all of that and more. Ranges of emotions, larger than this life, are showcased within the video footage of the event. It is clear that Zach’s message impacted participants, has branched out, and continues to grow and expand.

According to Zach’s sister, Grace, “Seeing the families of children with cancer was really cool [because] it wasn’t all about Zach, but rather about everyone, really.”

And for ‘everyone,’ Laura said, “I hope people leave this event knowing that they matter. Even the smallest act of kindness can change the world in big ways, and when we all come together we can make really big things happen,” said Laura.

Indeed, a really big, really large choir that reaches the clouds can happen. “I think he smiles from heaven as he watches,” said Laura.