Zach Sobiech's beautiful farewell song to friends and family, "Clouds," has inspired dozens of covers and tribute videos.

Sobiech, who lives in Lakeland and is a senior at Stillwater Area High School, has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma and is not expected to live long. "Clouds" has become an Internet sensation, with almost 2.7 million hits on YouTube.

The catchy tune now has inspired a new celebrity video -- a "Clouds" cover that People magazine says "could easily be the most moving celebrity shout-out of all time."

Dozens of stars are featured in the video, which airs on the SoulPancake YouTube channel of Rainn Wilson, known for his role on the television show "The Office." Among them: Bryan Cranston, Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, Mark Duplass, Anna Faris, Jenna Fischer, Ed Helms, the Lumineers, Jack McBrayer, Jason Mraz, Phillip Phillips, Sarah Silverman and Ashley Tisdale.

SoulPancake also has released a documentary on Sobiech called "My Last Days: Meet Zach Sobiech."

"This stuff isn't happening because you're dying," director Justin Baldoni tells Sobiech in the video. "It's really because of the way you're living."

Sobiech's philosophy on living: "It's really simple, actually. It's just try and make people happy," he says in the documentary. "Maybe you have to learn it over time, maybe you have to learn it the hard way, but as long as you learn it, you're going to make the world a better place.



At another point, he says: "I want everyone to know you don't have to find out you're dying to start living."

Sobiech, who turned 18 on May 3, went to his high school prom the next day with girlfriend Amy Adamle. He also has been teaming with the Children's Cancer Research Fund to raise awareness for kids suffering from his rare form of cancer.

Sobiech's mother, Laura, said Thursday, May 9, that Zach was "humbled" by the number of celebrities involved in the video and "very touched by their interest."

"The first time he saw it, he said, 'That's the craziest thing I've ever seen,' " she said. "He is happy that people are enjoying it and that it's stimulating interest in the fund again."

Zach was not up to being interviewed Thursday, Laura Sobiech said. "He is having a pretty good week. He sleeps a lot and doesn't have much energy, but he does his best to keep his spirits up. Amy is here with him every day and often into the late evening, and his closest friends come for a few hours at a time a few times a week."

Zach sings of wanting more time in "Clouds."

If only I had a little bit more time with you,

We could go up, up, up ...

We'll float up in the clouds, and we'll never see the end.

And we'll go up, up, up

But I'll fly a little higher.


Up here, my dear.

It won't be long now, it won't be long now.
